The Vipingo Ridge Triathlon

Every December we call on budding athletes to try out our sprint triathlon. Our marine reserve, unique landscape and stunning routes makes for an unforgettable experience.

This March we have a Duathlon available to enter for all age groups.

Vipingo Ridge. Every December, we call on budding athletes to try out our sprint triathlon which has been dubbed "one of the best triathlons in the world" due to its unique landscape and stunning routes.
The Vipingo Ridge Triathlon

2023 Vipingo Ridge Triathlon in Kilifi

Swim among the thriving underwater coral life, cycle to the top of the Ridge for breathtaking panoramic views, then finish with a run under the canopy of coastal indigenous forest -this is an event like no other.

Join us Saturday 30th December 2023

The provisional outline programme at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club

  • Bike collection and checks: 06:00

  • Sign on: 06:30

  • Light breakfast options: 06:30

  • Briefing: 07:15

  • Mass start time: 07:30

  • Lunch: from 11:00

  • Raffle and Prize Giving: 11:30

The Triathlon Course

Leg 1 - the swim

    • Swim takes place in the sea in open water with many other swimmers competing along side you and currents to content with.

    • You must run North up the beach and enter the water, swimming to the left of the buoy, go around the buoy with it on you right hand side and swim toward the South and around the second buoy with it on your right side.

    • Run up the beach and cross under the banner shouting out your race number clearly to the timing desk.

    • You will also get a transition time that will be reflected in your overall time.

Leg 2 - the cycle - view the map

    • The bike ride takes you out of the Beach Club gate and right for 2km.

    • At the end of the beach road you will stop briefly at your first sticker check point to receive a sticker on your helmet from a marshal. Please stop here as this helps us to know you have passed this point

    • Here you start your 200m of climb up to clubhouse.

    • Near the Clubhouse you will find the first water stop. This is the second sticker check point where all riders must stop to receive a sticker on your helmet from the water stop team.

    • Head towards the mango forest where you will meet a third check point to collect another sticker from the southern wall in Vipingo Ridge before the steep decent. Caution here as it is steep, fast and there are big jumps!

    • Down to airstrip and pass the correct way around the roundabout

    • Out of the main Vipingo Ridge gate

    • Turn left at the end of the tree lined avenue and drive along the dirt road between the sisal and main road

    • Over the main highway road where you will be assisted to cross safely

    • Continue down the gravel track for 2.5km back to the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club

    • You must cross the finish line under the banner before transitioning to the run.

Leg 3 - the run - view the map

    • The run takes you out of the Beach Club gate, turn right. After 500m turn left to follow the run route

    • Run through lovely farm land and friendly villages

    • 3km in you will meet the beach road with a water stop and check point.

    • Collect your check point sticker on your race bib.

    • Run along the beach road back towards the beach club

    • It’s all downhill from the gate to the finish line for that final push over the finish line

Before the event

Bike Inspection: Ensure your bike is in good working condition. Check for any damage or mechanical issues, such as tire pressure, brakes, gears, and chain. Make necessary repairs or adjustments well in advance.

Safety Gear: Have the necessary safety gear, including a properly fitting helmet, cycling shoes (if used), and gloves.

Tools and Supplies: Bring basic tools and supplies for quick repairs or adjustments, such as tire levers, spare tubes, a multi-tool, and a mini-pump.

Transportation: Plan how you'll transport your bike to the event.

At the event

Early Arrival: Arrive at the event venue well in advance. This allows time for parking, registration, equipment marking and setting up your transition area.

Equipment Marking: At registration you will be given a bib with a number for your run, a race plate for your bicycle and you will be marked on your body for the swim.

Bike Identification: Ensure your bike is labeled with your race plate number. This helps event officials identify your bike.

Security: Keep an eye on your bike in the transition area. While theft is rare, it's essential to remain vigilant.

Transition Preparation: Organise your transition area with all the gear you need for the bike and run segments. Lay out your shoes, helmet, sunglasses, and any other necessary items.

Helmets: Always wear your helmet when riding your bike during the event. Fasten the chinstrap securely.

Course Familiarity: Be familiar with the bike course by reviewing instructions. Look out for course markers and directions.
View the cycle map. View the run map.

Transitions and timekeeping

Transitions will be separately timed.

Your swim leg is timed from the start whistle until the top of the beach as you cross under the banner.

Your cycle leg time begins as you pass the transition table in the car park.

Your cycle leg time ends as you cross the banner under the start finish line.

Your run leg then begins as you pass the transition table in the car park.

If you are very keen to know your transition times we suggest using a Garmin or other timing device.

Please note, if your race number is not visible through the checkpoints, we will be unable to provide your time for you and you may be disqualified. If you are asked by a marshal for your race number, please shout it at them!

 

First aid

Our First Aider, Evans will be on hand to triage and assess any competitors in need of first aid.

Should there be a need for further treatment a transfer to Welcare Medical Centre at Vipingo Ridge can be organised. Should an ambulance be required, this can be organised by the competitor with Welcare Medical.

Please be aware that the race is unsupported for much of the course with significant and potentially dangerous rural off-road terrain for the cycling and running legs. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure they have fitness to complete the course to avoid accident or injury to yourself or your fellow competitors.

Here are a few rules for the Vipingo Ridge Triathlon 2023 to help guide you

  • Age Categories: Participants will be grouped into age categories to ensure fair competition. Age categories will include: U13 (12- 8yrs), U18(14-17yrs), Elite (18-50yrs) and Veteran 50+
    All participants under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult at each stage.

    Race Briefing: All participants are required to attend a mandatory pre-race briefing to review rules, course details, and safety instructions. This starts promptly at 07:15.

    Registration: Participants must register in advance through the link below and provide accurate personal information. False information may result in disqualification.

    Safety Gear: Participants must wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets during the bike segment. Helmets must be securely fastened at all times while on the bike.

    Course Familiarity: Participants are responsible for being familiar with the race course, including swim, bike, and run segments. The course is marked with chalk and some junctions will have stewards

    First Aid: Should you require first aid please contact the medical Health professional on site. If required you will be transferred to Welfare Medical centre at Vipingo Ridge for further assessment and treatment at your own cost.

  • Swim Caps and goggles: Participants can choose to wear these or not.

    Drafting: Drafting during the swim is not allowed. Maintain a reasonable distance from other swimmers to avoid interference.

    Course Markings: Follow course markings and always swim with your right shoulder against the buoy when swimming around it. In case of distress, signal for assistance and follow lifeguard guidance.

    Safety: Safety: If under 11 you must have an adult swim with you.

    Wetsuits: Wetsuits are allowed but not mandatory.

  • Helmet: A securely fastened helmet is mandatory while on the bike. Failure to wear a helmet will result in disqualification.

    Traffic Rules: Participants must follow all traffic laws and signals when on public roads. Stay to the left, signal turns, and yield to traffic as necessary. At the two main road crossings you must wait to be signaled across by the police officers.

    No Outside Assistance: Participants may not receive outside assistance or support during the bike segment.

    Safety: If under 11 you must have an adult ride with you.

    Check points: Check points: There are 3 check points which must be stopped at and a sticker collected on your helmet. If we need to check on timings we will require you to show us these check point stickers at the end of the event.

  • Course Markings: Follow course markings and directions from race officials and volunteers.

    No Unauthorised Accompaniment: Runners may not be accompanied by individuals not participating in the event unless they are U11 when it is a safety requirement.

    Check points: There is 1 check point which must be stopped at and a sticker collected on your race plate number. If we need to check on timings we will require you to show us these check point stickers at the end of the event.

  • Transition Area: Only participants and authorized personnel are allowed in the transition area.

    No Littering: Dispose of any litter or gear properly in designated areas.

  • Relay Teams: Relay teams consist of three members: one swimmer, one cyclist, and one runner.

    Nominated Swimmer: You can choose to register using a nominated swim time, but can not use another participants swim time.

    Team Equipment: Relay teams are responsible for their equipment and transitions.

  • Rule violations will result in penalties or disqualification, depending on the severity and repetition of the violation.

    Penalties will be applied at the discretion of race officials and judges.

    Collecting Four check point stickers is essential for each individual or team

Spectators

Enjoy your morning at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club with tea, coffee and Mandazi’s available from 06:30 to fuel your cheerleading efforts.

Lunch will be available from 11:00. Please book a table to avoid disappointment as we anticipate we will be busy.

Please book a table to avoid disappointment as we anticipate we will be busy.

Bike and Helmet Rental

If you would like to rent a bike from Vipingo Ridge please call for a full list of makes, models, age of bike and types of helmets available.

Phone Number 0700337489

Fundraising

As part of the fun of the day we will be fundraising for the our partners Oceans Alive Trust and you will be able to buy raffle tickets in aid of the Kuruwitu Marine Conservancy.

The prize draw will be part of the prizegiving ceremony after the competition.

The Vipingo Ridge Triathlon

The 2022 Vipingo Ridge Triathlon

In 2022 the tides told us to go for 28th December as our Triathlon date. The winning formula of a 750m open water swim followed by a 20km bike ride up on to the Ridge. Ending with a picturesque 5km run from the Beach Club through indigenous forest was continued.

Suitable for all ages, but with a confident fitness level, in 2022 we accepted exactly 50 entrants to the event. We had 29 individual competitors, 18 teams and 3 opting to do a duathlon.

The event is always well attended, with spectators gathering at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club joining to support the efforts. To see the full results, please click the link below.