Triathlon Trust partners with Women in Tri UK to expand opportunities for women in Bristol and York

Swimming, riding a bike and running are among the most fundamental skills of an active life. Yet for many women, taking the first step into sport can still feel daunting. By partnering with Women in Tri UK, the Triathlon Trust is supporting an organisation with a proven track record of breaking down key barriers to entry, and creating welcoming, supportive environments where women can build confidence, develop new skills and become part of a lasting community.

Rather than creating a one-off initiative, this partnership builds on Women in Tri UK’s established success in creating an environment where women can gain confidence at their own pace and enjoy swimming, cycling and running together. Having built a strong community in London and delivered activity in other parts of the country from Scotland to Southend, Women in Tri UK has identified growing demand in Bristol and York. Through this partnership, the Triathlon Trust will help support the continued development of that work, enabling more women to access welcoming, women-only Swim, Bike, Run sessions.

Designed around the needs of the local area, the programmes will combine accessible public spaces with established sporting venues. Our shared focus on confidence, belonging and community reflects the values of both organisations and their belief that swim, bike and run should be accessible to everyone.

Success will not simply be measured by the number of sessions delivered. The partnership will focus on the difference the programmes make to the women taking part, from increased confidence and improved wellbeing to stronger community connections and sustained participation in swimming, cycling and running.

Steve Rice, Interim Chair of the Triathlon Trust, said:

“This partnership perfectly reflects what the Triathlon Trust is here to do. We don’t just fund projects. We build partnerships that remove barriers, create opportunities and transform lives through swim, bike and run.

“Women in Tri UK has created something really special. By building supportive communities where women feel welcome, encouraged and inspired to take that first step, they’re showing that our sport can be accessible to everyone. We’re delighted to be working alongside them to help that impact grow in Bristol and York and create opportunities that we hope will make a lasting difference.”

Bianca Fernandez-Clark, Chair & CEO of Women in Tri UK, added:

“This partnership means a great deal to us. Bristol and York already have strong, engaged communities of women who have been asking for exactly this kind of support, and working with the Triathlon Trust means we can give them the swim, bike and run sessions they deserve, delivered by coaches who understand what it takes to help a woman feel welcome and confident from her very first session.

“We know that for many women, the biggest barrier isn’t fitness, it’s belief that this space is for them. Every session we run is designed to change that. We’re so grateful to the Triathlon Trust for recognising the value of this work and for helping us bring it to more women, in more places, across the country.”

Over the coming months, the Triathlon Trust and Women in Tri UK will share stories from participants, celebrate progress across Bristol and York and demonstrate how strong partnerships can create lasting opportunities for more women to enjoy swimming, cycling and running.

Together, this partnership represents far more than the delivery of a series of sessions. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every woman, whatever her background, experience or starting point, can discover the confidence, friendships and lifelong benefits that come from swim, bike and run.