8 minute read
What’s a reward without the challenge?
Stunning and savage, the Croyde Ocean Triathlon is known for embracing North Devon’s beautiful yet brutal coastline and surrounding countryside.
It’s featured in 220 Triathlons, the “Top 21 must-do” triathlon challenges for 2022, and shortlisted as the best triathlon in the UK for 2020.
On the day, competitors have the choice of two triathlon events: the Olympic distance or the Sprint distance, which can be entered solo or as part of a relay team.
The Olympic distance race includes:
- 1.5km ocean swim
- 38km cycle
- 12km trail run
The Sprint distance option covers:
- 750m ocean swim
- 18.5km cycle
- 5km trail run
In addition to the incredible scenery, what makes this event stand out is that 100% of the profit goes to charity. We’ve supported this event since the beginning and are proud to be its headline sponsor for the third year in a row.
For the past few years, some of our Dryrobe® crew have entered the Croyde Tri, and last year, our all-female Olympic distance triathlon relay team won the title as the first female relay team!
We caught up with Dryrobe® Videographer and Photographer, Gabriella Zagni, Production Assistant, Emily Bray, and Social Media Creative, Amy Williamson, about the Olympic distance event to get the inside scoop for anyone competing for the first time.
1.5km ocean swim
The 3-mile-long beach that begins at Woolacombe Bay and ends at Putsborough Sands provides the perfect stretch of sea to host the ocean swim that kicks off the triathlon.
If an ocean swim isn’t enough, athletes must race up the hill from Putsborough Sands to the transition area to get on their bikes (or swap with their relay partner) for the cycle. The one who completes this small but steep run the fastest is crowned the “Hero of the Hill.”
Dryrobe® Team swimmer Gabby shares her insights from the swim:
Feelings going into it?
‘Nervous, but turning up in the morning and seeing a nice, calm sea made me feel much better.
Although I had practised the distance in a pool, I had never done it in the sea, but the sea was basically like swimming in a pool that day. So I was very lucky. I think if the conditions had been a bit rougher, I probably would have struggled a bit more.
It was an exciting day, and it was nice to turn up with the girls. It took the pressure off and just made the whole thing more fun.’
The best part
‘I actually really enjoyed the swim. I think that was down to the conditions being just so beautiful,the sea was a lovely temperature and flat, so it was really enjoyable.
The best part, though, was probably just sharing it with the girls, cheering each other on, doing something different, and sharing it with others.’
The most challenging part
'It was definitely getting out of the water and running up the hill from the beach to where Emily was to start the cycle.
I had not practised this at all. And I don't think I had fueled my body with enough electrolytes and salts, because I started cramping badly when I put my feet on the floor after the swim, I was like, “I don't think I'm gonna make it up this hill with these cramps!”
Somehow, I managed to run it off and got up there!'
38km cycle
38km of steep, winding roads explore the natural beauty surrounding Putsborough and provide a distant glimpse into Exmoor National Park.
Dryrobe® Team cyclist Emily shares her best and most challenging parts:
Feelings going into it?
‘Well, everyone was just saying it was savage before, weren't they? Which is what I was expecting. So I was expecting it to be tough. I didn't do a course recce or anything before, because I know a lot of people do that, but I think because we were going in as a team, there is kind of less pressure… but then there's also more pressure in a team because you want to perform well, especially if your other team members are doing well.
After I saw Gabby come out of the water, I knew she was fast, so I knew we had a good starting point. But I think that made me a bit more nervous to do my part!’
The best part
‘I was looking forward to one section because I have cycled part of it before. It was coming into Mortehoe, and then you go down this really fast section. It's windy, so it's good for speed, which is my favourite thing on the bike. And obviously, you get the nice views coming into Woolacombe as you go down as well!’
The most challenging part
‘There are loads of hard hills. I think coming out of Wooalcombe and then going up that really steep hill heading back to Putsborough. That's a tough one. I was mentally prepared for it, though, because I'd cycled that one quite a lot. Sometimes, it can seem fairly long, but it wasn't too bad, especially when you've got other people ahead and can aim for them. It motivates you more to cycle faster.’
12km trail run
The third and final part of the Tri explores the North Devon coastline and showcases three beautiful sand bays: Putsborough, Saunton, and Croyde.
To accommodate this epic scenery, the run is 2km longer than a standard Olympic-distance triathlon.
Dryrobe® Team runner Amy shares her experience:
Feelings going into it?
‘When Emily came back (from the cycle), I was actually super excited because she was so fast and I was like, “Oh my, I've got to go now!”
But then it hit like, “ Emily did really well, Gabby did really well. So now, I need to do well!” So I tried my best.
I did it the year before in another team for Dryrobe®, so I knew how hard it would be, haha! It’s difficult because it’s 12km, but it’s still a fast run, so I anticipated it to be tough. But I love the team atmosphere of the day, so I wanted to try my best and make the team proud!’
The most challenging part
‘I think the first part, going from Putsborough through Croyde to Saunton Down, is hard as there are more inclines than you realise! Also, by the time I got to Baggy, I was definitely flagging trying to maintain my pace, you’re so close to the end yet so far because of the terrain, and also it started to get fairly warm by that point of the day - make sure to prepare for that! Suncream up and stay hydrated for sure.’
The best part
‘I quite like the whole morning/ prep before things kick off. The views are incredible, looking out from Putsborough down to Woolacombe. Last year, there was this beautiful summery morning haze across the bay that made it feel so atmospheric. That, paired with seeing everyone getting ready and the race-day nervousness and excitement, feels so special. Also, the pleasant surprise of us coming first, was not expecting that at all!’
Extra words of encouragement from the team
Gabby:
‘My first bit of advice is if you're going to do the swim or the whole thing, practice swimming in the sea.
I was very lucky with my conditions. Also, I surf a lot and go to the sea a lot, so I'm used to swimming in the sea. But for anybody who only swims in pools or lakes, I would say, get yourself to the ocean and practice, because you never know what conditions you'll get. Even if it's really lovely, I think adjusting to those conditions is a good idea beforehand.
Also, make sure you're fueled correctly so you don't cramp.
And practice. So do the swim and also do a run or something that's going to get your cardiovascular system working, because it is a shock if you haven't practised that!’
Emily:
‘I would encourage people if they're thinking of doing it to do it because it's an amazing location. It’s a really nice event. I would say, do it as a team, if you're unsure.’
Amy:
‘I would say... do some hill running and training, haha! Whatever it takes to make you feel confident on the day, whatever distance you feel like you need to do, but it’s good not to put too much pressure on yourself. We had no expectations and we just enjoyed the day, so it was just a little bonus.’
Follow Croyde Ocean Tri
Instagram: @croyde_ocean_triathlon
Facebook: Croyde Ocean Tri
#dryrobeterritory
Published on July 03, 2025