Event Overview
The Outlaw Triathlon at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, is the UK's most beloved independent long-distance triathlon. Held in July 2026, the event has won numerous awards for its organization and atmosphere. Known for the 'Pirate' branding and the incredible support from the 'Sheriff' (the lead cyclist), the Outlaw offers a high-performance environment without the corporate feel of larger global brands. The race is centered around the National Water Sports Centre, providing a compact and spectator-friendly hub for athletes and their families. It's a race characterized by camaraderie, PB potential, and a legendary finish line party.
Course Details & Terrain
The Swim: A 2.4-mile single-loop swim in the regatta lake. This is arguably the easiest swim on the UK circuit—navigation is simple thanks to the rowing wires, and the water is generally calm. The mass start is iconic, with the sun rising over the grandstands.
The Bike: The 112-mile bike course takes athletes out of the Water Sports Centre and into the rolling countryside of Nottinghamshire. While often described as 'flat,' it is more accurately 'fast and rolling.' There are no Alpine climbs, but the constant small undulations and potential for wind in the open fields can fatigue the legs. The 'Southern Loop' is particularly exposed, meaning your aero position will be tested for hours.
The Run: A 26.2-mile multi-loop course that circles the regatta lake and heads out onto the River Trent path toward the city. The terrain is almost entirely flat and on paved paths. While the flatness is great for speed, the repetitive nature of the loops requires significant mental toughness. There is very little shade on the lake-side sections, so heat management is often the deciding factor in the final hours.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners: The Outlaw is the perfect entry point for those attempting their first full-distance triathlon. The swim is non-intimidating, the bike is manageable, and the run is flat. Furthermore, the support crew is renowned for helping 'newbies' through their darkest moments of the day.
For Experienced Athletes: If you are chasing a sub-10 or even a sub-9 hour time, this is the course to do it. The transition areas are efficient, and the bike course allows for high average speeds. For the elites, it’s a battle of attrition and aerodynamic efficiency.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Sighting the Swim: Don't just look for the buoys. Use the permanent rowing markers and wires under the water to stay perfectly on track. This can save you 100-200 meters of extra swimming caused by veering off course.
- Nutrition Discipline: Because the bike course is relatively fast, it is easy to forget to eat and drink. Use a timer on your computer to beep every 20 minutes as a reminder to take in 60-90g of carbohydrates. The Nottinghamshire wind can mask how much you are sweating, so keep your electrolytes high.
- Mental Partitioning on the Run: The run consists of loops around the lake. Instead of thinking about 26.2 miles, focus only on the next aid station or the next lap. Breaking the race into 5km segments makes the flat, exposed path much more manageable psychologically.
How to Train for This Event
Success at the Outlaw is built on consistency and fueling strategy. Raye (the AI endurance coach) provides bespoke WhatsApp-based training plans that specifically prepare you for the 'aero-heavy' nature of the Nottinghamshire bike course. Raye's plans include specific 'Big Day' brick sessions and guided taper phases to ensure you arrive at Holme Pierrepont with fresh legs and a solid fueling plan. Whether you're aiming to be an 'Outlaw' for the first time or the tenth, Raye's adaptive coaching will get you to the finish line. Join the team and start your journey today.