Women in Tri UK partnership offers welcoming ways to get active in Bristol and York

Low confidence can make it difficult to return to an activity or try something unfamiliar. Through its partnership with Women in Tri UK, the Triathlon Trust is supporting women-only, beginner-friendly coaching in Bristol and York, offering opportunities to develop skills and enjoy swimming, cycling and running with others.

Since July 2026, the programme has recorded 76 session sign-ups across 11 sessions, with 50 women involved in registrations across the two cities. Participant feedback gives an early insight into how the sessions are helping some women feel more confident about taking part.

A supported return to cycling in York

In York, 39 women signed up across six sessions, accounting for 57 session registrations. Activities have included coached running and cycling, a combined bike and run session at York Sport Village and open water swimming skills at Pool Bridge Farm.

For one participant, the opportunity helped her return to cycling after more than two years away from her bike:

“It’s been over 2 years since I was last on my bike and confidence was low. I really enjoyed the whole thing and it helped me realise how much I love my bike!”

Following a combined cycling and running session, coach Lucy described what she had seen:

“We had a brilliant session, so many nervous women feeling so much more confident now.”

These accounts show why a welcoming introduction matters. Coaching and the opportunity to take part alongside other women can help make an activity feel more approachable.

Developing skills with others in Bristol

In Bristol, the programme reported 11 women taking part across five sessions, with 19 registrations. Activities have included coached cycling at Ashton Court and open water swimming at Clevedon Marine Lake.

One participant described how she felt after a coached session:

“How lucky that these are offered and what a difference it has made… Lou is just amazing and I feel so much more confident… in just 1 hour the difference is massive… I left the session buzzing.”

Her feedback provides a specific example of the value of coaching and encouragement. It describes her immediate experience, rather than a measured change in activity over time.

Women in Tri UK is also looking to strengthen links with local community organisations to introduce more women to the programme.

Supporting opportunities shaped around participants

The partnership supports the Trust’s aim of making activity more accessible and welcoming through local partners. In Bristol and York, the approach combines women-only sessions, beginner-friendly coaching and opportunities to learn alongside others.

The registration figures show interest in these opportunities. The participant and coach accounts offer early evidence of enjoyment and growing confidence. Understanding whether women continue taking part will be important in assessing the programme’s longer-term contribution.

What happens next

Further coached running sessions are scheduled for 11 November and 9 December 2026 in Bristol, and 25 November 2026 in York.

Women in Tri UK hopes to continue and expand its community programmes. For the Trust, the partnership is an opportunity to support an approachable route into activity and learn from the experiences of women taking part.