Pikeman Triathlon

What to Expect

The Pikeman Triathlon is a standard distance triathlon held at Rosslare Strand on Sunday 13 September, organised by Bear Races. The event uses a rolling swim start from 8:30am, with the main race window running through to a 10:00am cut off structure, so competitors go off in waves rather than a single mass start. The swim leg is supported by kayaks and safety boats along the course, the bike leg runs on open public roads within marshalled safety zones, and the run finishes with a two loop route, a format typical of standard distance (Olympic distance) triathlon racing in Ireland. Entry is through the Triathlon Ireland registration platform, and what is included covers chip timing, a branded swim cap, a finisher’s medal, and post race refreshments.

Rosslare Strand itself is well suited to a triathlon of this scale: it holds Blue Flag status for water quality and safety, and forms a long sandy spit that separates Wexford Harbour from the Irish Sea, giving organisers a clear, controlled stretch of water for the swim leg. Race day logistics are run to a tight schedule: parking opens at 5:30am in a designated field around 1.3km from the transition area, registration runs from 6:00am to 7:30am, and there is a mandatory race briefing at 8:15am before the first swimmers go off. Cut off times apply through the day, with a 60 minute limit on the swim, 2 hours 45 minutes on the bike, and 3 hours 30 minutes for the final run lap, so the event is geared toward finishing everyone safely within a full but manageable day. It is a serious enough event to attract experienced triathletes while remaining achievable for competitors doing their first standard distance race.

Good to Know

• Date: Sunday 13 September 2026, rolling swim start from 8:30am, main race from 10:00am
• Venue: Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford, a Blue Flag beach
• Entry via the Triathlon Ireland registration platform, booked through bearraces.ie
• Includes chip timing, swim cap, finisher’s medal and post race refreshments
• Parking opens 5:30am in a designated field about 1.3km from transition; registration is 6:00 to 7:30am with a mandatory briefing at 8:15am

Getting There

Rosslare Strand is signposted from the N25 near Rosslare village, about 15 to 20 minutes from Wexford town by car. Race day parking is in a designated field close to the transition area rather than at the beach itself, so following event day signage on arrival is important.