The Odyssey @ Big East & Maldon Triathlon is delivered by the UK’s largest triathlon organiser—bringing you an outstanding race experience, designed by triathletes, for triathletes.

Join us on Sunday 4th July 2027 for an unforgettable day of racing and community.

The Odyssey @ Big East is a Middle Distance triathlon featuring a 1.5km tidal river swim, an 86km road bike, and a 20km run to finish.

Alongside this headline event, athletes can also take part in the classic triathlon distances:

Standard Distance: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run

Sprint Distance: 750m swim, 25km bike, 5km run

With a late-morning start, athletes are encouraged to stay after racing to relax and socialise with fellow competitors.

For those who prefer not to run, an Aquabike (swim-bike) is available as well as a Relay option (allowing teams of two or three athletes to share the disciplines), across all the event distances.

To align with the high tide, the race will start at 11:50am, with registration opening at 10:00am.

Due to tidal conditions, the swim leg has a strict cut-off time of 1 hour 10 minutes, and the overall event has an 9-hour cut-off, ensuring all athletes finish safely in daylight.

The swim takes place on a 750m looped course, starting beside the striking statue of Byrhtnoth, commemorating the Saxon Battle of Maldon, and heading out towards Northey Island.

The non-draft legal bike course leads athletes out of Maldon and onto the quiet, scenic roads of the Dengie Peninsula, passing through Latchingdon, Tillingham, Steeple and Mayland.

The run course consists of a flat 5km loop, heading out along the promenade, continuing on the sea wall footpath, and returning towards race HQ. The final kilometre loops through Promenade Park, offering fantastic spectator support. The surface includes paved paths, grass, and gravel track.

Transgender athletes are, and will continue to be, very welcome in both recreational and competitive triathlon.

British Triathlon events are organised under the following categories:

a Female category for athletes who are female at birth;

an Open category for all other athletes.

All finishers will receive a fantastic medal, with additional goodies waiting for you at the finish line.

Want to hire a wetsuit for the season? We are proud to offer Zone3 wetsuits. Find out more HERE

Want to hire a wetsuit for a day, weekend or month? Find out more HERE

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Charity - Join us in making every stride count by raising money for our partner charity, Alzheimer's Research UK - your run will not only challenge your limits but also change lives, one step at a time, for a cure. Opportunities to donate and fundraise will appear at checkout.

ATW Transfer & Refund Policy

At ATW, we understand that sometimes plans change. While we do not offer refunds or transfers to another person, we provide a hassle-free event transfer option for those unable to attend their booked event. If you are unable to participate in your scheduled event for any reason—including injury, illness, pregnancy, bereavement, or other unforeseen circumstances—you can transfer your entry to any future ATW event. There is no proof required, we trust you!

Even better news, transfers can be made all the way up to 48 hours before your original event date.

ATW Community

At ATW we think of our participants as a community and we love to hear about the community's dreams and achievements.

If you'd like to share those dreams and achievements you can do so on any of our social media platforms. Equally if you'd like any advice about your upcoming event you will almost certainly find someone who can provide some guidance.

Links to all our social media platforms are at the bottom of the page, including to our ATW Chat Facebook group, which might be the most interactive platform if asking for help.

Event Organiser

ATW was established in 2011 by James Shipley. We have now become a national events company in the UK, specialising in Running, Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathon, Cycling, Swimming and all permutation of swim-bike run events. With over 40,000 entries a year ATW has become a firm favourite amongst people who are determined to Dream, Believe and Achieve.

Description supplied by the event organiser.