Cowman Triathlon

Milton Keynes | 2 Aug 2026

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The Ultimate Multisport Challenge Returns!

We’re back for 2026!

The Milton Keynes Cowman Triathlon returns to Emberton Country Park on Sunday 2nd August 2026, ready to welcome athletes of all abilities for another unforgettable day of racing.

Take on the epic Cowman (Middle Distance), the testing Calfman (Standard Distance), or the fast-paced Stampede (Sprint Distance), each designed to challenge and inspire in equal measure. You’ll also find Aquabike, Aquathlon, and a Bike-Run option, offering something for every type of competitor.

With open-water swims, scenic cycle routes, and run courses set in the beautiful grounds of Emberton Country Park, the Cowman is as much about community as competition. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or experiencing triathlon for the first time, you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this event truly special.

Everything You’ll Love About the Cowman Triathlon

  • Fully Marked Route & Marshal Support
  • Medical Support on Course
  • Chip Timing
  • Live Online Results!
  • Awesome Medal
  • Optional T-Shirt
  • Finish Line Goodies!
  • Professional Photography

COWMAN SERIES Distances

First 50 Places 15% off!

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Cowman Triathlon

Start Time: 6:30am

1.9K Swim / 92K Bike / 21.1K Run

From £120.28 (Early Bird Pricing) (Relay Options Available)

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Cowman Aquabike

Start Time: 6:30am

1.9K Swim / 92K Bike

£84.58 (Early Bird)

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Cowman Bike/Run

Start Time: 6:50am

92K Bike / 21.1K Run

£84.58 (Early Bird)

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Calfman Triathlon

Start Time: 7:45am

1.5K Swim / 40K Bike / 10K Run

£75.65 (Early Bird) (Relay Options Available)

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Calfman Aquabike

Start Time: 7:45am

1.5K Swim / 40K Bike

£66.73 (Early Bird)

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Calfman Bike/Run

Start Time: 8:00am

40K Bike / 10K Run

£66.73 (Early Bird)

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Stampede Triathlon

Start Time: 9:00am

750m Swim / 20K Bike / 5K Run

£66.73 (Early Bird) (Relay Options Available)

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Stampede Aquabike

Start Time: 9:00am

750m Swim / 20K Bike

£57.80 (Early Bird)

View Route Map

Stampede Aquathlon

Start Time: 9:00am

750m Swim / 5K Run

£57.80 (Early Bird)

View Route Map

Stampede Bike/Run

Start Time: 9:10am

20K Bike / 5K Run

£57.80 (Early Bird)

View Route Map

BTF Race Pass

To participate in this event, you are required to become a member of British Triathlon and hold a race licence. You must either become a Core or Ultimate annual member HERE.

OR purchase a single use RACE PASS for your race.

NOTE: all non-BTF members of a relay team must purchase their own Race Pass.

As part of the terms and conditions of all multisport events governed by the BTF by purchasing an Race Pass you agree that your personal details will be shared with the BTF. For further information on what details are shared, and for what purposes, please see the British Triathlon website Privacy Notice page. 

If you are already affiliated with British Triathlon Federation you do not need to do anything before the event day.

BTF RACE PASS

To participate in the Cowman Triathlon Series, you need a British Triathlon membership or a Race Pass.

Relay Teams: Each non-BTF member needs their own pass.

Already a BTF member? You’re good to go.

Annual Membership
Race Pass
Privacy Notice

Unleash Your Inner Champion at the Cowman Triathlon Series!

Get ready for an exhilarating journey with the Cowman Triathlon Series, where adrenaline meets determination at our Milton Keynes venue. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or new to the sport, this event is your chance to push limits, conquer the course, and join a community of like-minded athletes. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the energy of the crowd, and the rush of victory make each race an unforgettable experience. In the Cowman Triathlon Series, every participant is a hero—are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Venue & Parking

venue

Emberton Country Park
Olney Road
Emberton
Olney
MK46 5FJ

Parking

There is ample parking within Emberton Park. As an athlete, you will be given free entry into the park, any spectators not travelling with you, will need to pay on arrival.

Camping

Overnight Camping is also available - click the button below for more information.

CAMPING INFO

Venue and Parking

Venue

Emberton Country Park
Olney Road
Emberton
Olney
MK46 5FJ

Parking

There is ample parking within Emberton Park. As an athlete, you will be given free entry into the park, any spectators not travelling with you, will need to pay on arrival.

Camping

Overnight Camping is also available - click the button below for more information.

CAMPING INFO

Volunteers Needed!

Are you passionate about triathlons or just want to be part of an amazing local event? We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers - no experience necessary!

Volunteer Perks:

🎉 All volunteers will receive 50% off any BCS event (excluding Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K) — up to £65 off next year’s Cowman Triathlon!

Volunteer Shifts Available:

  • Cycle Marshals: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Run Marshals: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Be part of the action, support incredible athletes, and enjoy a rewarding day!

📧 Check your spam folder for confirmation emails!

What Our Athletes Think

What athletes are saying about the Cowman Triathlon Series

David Edwards
This was a superb event: great organization, great location/course, great marshalling, great support from spectators and passers-by alike - thank you to everyone who helped to make this such a fabulous success! One very small suggestion for future: the sticky labels that I attached to my bike and helmet were a nightmare to peel off - not sure if they have to be that particular material for any reason; I've not struggled with such labels before.
Ben Burnett
This was my first triathlon so don’t have much experience elsewhere apart from ultra running events. In my opinion this is a race that is definitely worth entering, great event with great organisers and Marshalling who are all super supportive and encouraging. Thank you all for a great day
Deebo Penn
Fabulous day! The Marshalls were all amazing, so motivating. Well done Big Cow 👍🏻
Michele Jones
This was my 1st triathlon so I had no idea what I was doing but it was well briefed and all staff were really helpful. The marshalls were brilliant and placed exactly where they needed to be, really friendly, immersed in the atmosphere, cheering us all on! A friendly event, brilliant for beginners alongside the serious triathletes, I'd definitely do this again without doubt. Not terribly keen on a wooden medal, much prefer metal with a bit of weight, but that's just my personal opinion..
Carl Dillow
Absolutely love the Cowman Triathlon. One of the first events on my calendar every year at either the half or quarter-iron distance. The Big Cow team are so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The atmosphere at the event and feedback and support from the marshals' out on the course is second to none. A very enjoyable event for both a first time or a very seasoned triathlete. highly recommended.
Dan Hippey
The Cowman is a simple Half Distance which is well organised and simple to navigate. Swim - A two lap lake swim which was well marked but be prepared for the low sun coming into the finish. Marshall on hand to assist out of the water and T1 is less than 100mtrs from the swim exit! Bike - 2 large & 1 smaller lapped course passing a feed station 3 times which appeared well stocked (although I didn't use it), the course is well signed with only one hill to speak of which you complete 3 times. Run- 4 laps of tarmac, gravel and grass which is fairly undulating, this year there were 3 feed stations per lap. The marshalls are great, very encouraging and a good atmosphere at a nice location..
Hannah Cooper
Fab event and the support was great! Was very easy to park (though not as easy to find your car after racing so remember where you parked!) swim was a bit shorter than expected but there wasn’t weeds near the surface and water was calm and not freezing cold! Bike had a tough start but has some lovely downhill sections to build up speed! Run was a nice route mostly through some fields, was a bit uneven under foot! Aid stations had plenty of water and some gels! Overall a great event
Marcin Wolny
Really nice race, great atmosphere and well marshaled. Truly enjoyed new bike course (I did Calfman) which I felt (might be personal bias) was better than previous years. While multiple laps may not be so enjoyable for Cowman athletes the new course felt safer (less busy roads) and more varied than the original one.
Jean-Sébastien Vecten
Having not taken part in a triathlon in over a year, I decided to enter the Cowman as a “warmup” to races later in the year! Being local to the event, I regitered the day before and still arive on race morning wit plenty of time...like my own comfort! the transition was clearly laid out znd all the ins and outs were covered duding the breefing! Knew the lake from previous races (clean and shallow - wetsuit optional today!) but never ridden the bike or run course! Found the whole thing flowing nicely and although didn’t hit my target, still scored a PB! In a nut shell, the event is good value for money; local (to me!) and small ish so perfect to get your mark, pb or just have a good time!

What Our Athletes Think

What athletes are saying about the Cowman Triathlon Series

David Edwards
This was a superb event: great organization, great location/course, great marshalling, great support from spectators and passers-by alike - thank you to everyone who helped to make this such a fabulous success! One very small suggestion for future: the sticky labels that I attached to my bike and helmet were a nightmare to peel off - not sure if they have to be that particular material for any reason; I've not struggled with such labels before.
Ben Burnett
This was my first triathlon so don’t have much experience elsewhere apart from ultra running events. In my opinion this is a race that is definitely worth entering, great event with great organisers and Marshalling who are all super supportive and encouraging. Thank you all for a great day
Deebo Penn
Fabulous day! The Marshalls were all amazing, so motivating. Well done Big Cow 👍🏻
Michele Jones
This was my 1st triathlon so I had no idea what I was doing but it was well briefed and all staff were really helpful. The marshalls were brilliant and placed exactly where they needed to be, really friendly, immersed in the atmosphere, cheering us all on! A friendly event, brilliant for beginners alongside the serious triathletes, I'd definitely do this again without doubt. Not terribly keen on a wooden medal, much prefer metal with a bit of weight, but that's just my personal opinion..
Carl Dillow
Absolutely love the Cowman Triathlon. One of the first events on my calendar every year at either the half or quarter-iron distance. The Big Cow team are so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The atmosphere at the event and feedback and support from the marshals' out on the course is second to none. A very enjoyable event for both a first time or a very seasoned triathlete. highly recommended.
Dan Hippey
The Cowman is a simple Half Distance which is well organised and simple to navigate. Swim - A two lap lake swim which was well marked but be prepared for the low sun coming into the finish. Marshall on hand to assist out of the water and T1 is less than 100mtrs from the swim exit! Bike - 2 large & 1 smaller lapped course passing a feed station 3 times which appeared well stocked (although I didn't use it), the course is well signed with only one hill to speak of which you complete 3 times. Run- 4 laps of tarmac, gravel and grass which is fairly undulating, this year there were 3 feed stations per lap. The marshalls are great, very encouraging and a good atmosphere at a nice location..
Hannah Cooper
Fab event and the support was great! Was very easy to park (though not as easy to find your car after racing so remember where you parked!) swim was a bit shorter than expected but there wasn’t weeds near the surface and water was calm and not freezing cold! Bike had a tough start but has some lovely downhill sections to build up speed! Run was a nice route mostly through some fields, was a bit uneven under foot! Aid stations had plenty of water and some gels! Overall a great event
Marcin Wolny
Really nice race, great atmosphere and well marshaled. Truly enjoyed new bike course (I did Calfman) which I felt (might be personal bias) was better than previous years. While multiple laps may not be so enjoyable for Cowman athletes the new course felt safer (less busy roads) and more varied than the original one.
Jean-Sébastien Vecten
Having not taken part in a triathlon in over a year, I decided to enter the Cowman as a “warmup” to races later in the year! Being local to the event, I regitered the day before and still arive on race morning wit plenty of time...like my own comfort! the transition was clearly laid out znd all the ins and outs were covered duding the breefing! Knew the lake from previous races (clean and shallow - wetsuit optional today!) but never ridden the bike or run course! Found the whole thing flowing nicely and although didn’t hit my target, still scored a PB! In a nut shell, the event is good value for money; local (to me!) and small ish so perfect to get your mark, pb or just have a good time!

Official Event T-Shirts

Grab your official Cowman Triathlon event t-shirt while stocks last! Once they’re gone, they’re gone — don’t miss out.

Buy Your T-Shirt Now

Race Packs

You must collect your pack during registration, based at Race HQ.

Registration:

  • Saturday 1st August: 12PM – 2PM
  • Sunday 2nd August: from 5:30AM

FAQs

Bike racking is on race morning only from 5:30am.

Transition will close 15 minutes before each race.

  • 6:15 for Cowman Athletes
  • 7:30 for Calfman Athletes
  • 8:45 for Stampede Athletes

The cycle course takes place on public roads, so we kick off the race early to avoid having you ride during peak traffic hours.

Please refer to the event Terms and Conditions HERE.

All athletes will begin in a mass start, irrespective of discipline (eg. Triathlon and Aquabike) entering the water a few minutes before your race begins.

Bike-Run Athletes:

You will start from your numbered racking position in transition in a time-trial format.

Your official race time will begin the moment you exit Transition at Cycle Out.

Cowman Distances 18+

Calfman Distances 17+

Stampede Distances 15+ (Parental consent required for 15 year olds as the cycle route takes place on open main roads).

  • 09:40 – Swim Cut-Off (All Distances)
  • 11:40 – Bike Cut-Off (All Distances)
  • 15:00 – Run Cut-Off (All Distances)

Wetsuit Rules:

  • Wetsuit optional:
    • Cowman (all ages), Calfman & Stampede (age 60+): 15.9°C – 24.6°C
    • Calfman & Stampede (under 60): 15.9°C – 22°C
  • Wetsuit mandatory: below 15.9°C
  • Non-wetsuit: above 24.6°C or 22°C depending on your category

Registration will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 29th July 2026 or when the event is sold out.

There may be entries on the day if the event has not sold out. Please keep an eye on our social media pages for confirmation.

No headphones/earphones of any kind are to be used during the race as per BTF Rules.

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Entries for the Cowman Triathlon Series 2026 are now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting day of racing. The 2025 event was a fantastic success, and with demand increasing, spaces for 2026 are filling up quickly. Secure your spot today and get ready to race in the heart of Cowman for an unforgettable experience!

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COWMAN TRIATHLON AWAITS - ARE YOU READY?

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Take on the Cowman Triathlon

Are you ready to rise to the challenge? The Cowman Triathlon finish line is waiting, with the cheers of supporters and the rush of accomplishment pushing you forward. Every stroke, pedal, and stride brings you closer to that unforgettable moment. The Cowman will test your endurance, but you’re here to conquer it. This is your time—your Cowman journey starts now. Claim your spot today!

Cowman Triathlon Awaits – Are You Ready?

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Cowman Triathlon Historical Results

15% OFF ENTRY

🔥 Hurry! First 50 entrants score 15% OFF the Cowman Triathlon Series 2026!
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