Ahead of race day, on June 15, 2025, the Royal Windsor Triathlon confirmed a partnership with Japanese performance sportswear brand Descente.
Becoming the event’s Official Triathlon Sportswear Partner for the 2025 edition, Descente got on board with the Windsor Triathlon as the event came under the control of UK race organiser, RunThrough.
Originally founded in 1991, and previously organised by Human Race (now rebranded as A.S.O. UK), the Windsor Triathlon came under the umbrella of UK event organiser RunThrough this year.
As the UK’s longest running triathlon, the Windsor Triathlon marked its 34th year in 2025. The event is set against one of the UK’s most historic backdrops, with an open-road cycle course and a regal setting – featuring Windsor Castle, the River Thames, and the Long Walk.
As the new operator of the Windsor Triathlon, RunThrough is leveraging its expertise in mass-participation event delivery to one of the UK’s most popular triathlon events. RunThrough was founded in 2012 by Matt Wood and Ben Green, two former international runners from the north-west of England.
RunThrough delivers over 300 events annually, welcoming more than 350,000 participants each year. The RunThrough mass participation event business sits under the company’s GW Active parent brand, which also encompasses the RT Kit, RunThrough Trails, and Swim Bike RunThrough.
Other events in RunThrough’s portfolio include: Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon, Surrey Half Marathon, Alton Towers Resort 10km and Half Marathon alongside a full calendar of events across the UK.
Since 2017, Japan-based Descente has produced British Triathlon’s elite performance apparel. In early 2025, extending for another four years, Descente secured its collaboration with British Triathlon through to December 2028.
The renewed partnership will see national governing body British Triathlon and Descente continue to focus on performance wear, including the development of exclusive ‘Inspired by’ collections and replica kits that will hit international markets in Japan, Korea, and China.
The international theme – bridging triathlon in the UK with markets in Asia – continued in the new tie-up with the Windsor Triathlon.
“Partnering with a global performance brand like Descente is a major milestone for the Royal Windsor Triathlon,” said Matt Wood, Co-Founder of RunThrough, operator of Royal Windsor Triathlon.
“We’re thrilled to be the UK platform for Descente’s AWAKEN programme and proud to showcase our event on a truly international stage. This partnership brings together a world-class brand with strong presence and the unique heritage of Windsor.”
In 2025 the Windsor Triathlon became a key showcase for Descente as it aimed to build appeal to visitors from overseas. As part of the partnership, the 2025 event welcomed four athletes invited by Descente China to experience the Royal Windsor Triathlon for the first time.
Leading up to race day, Kentaro Takeda, Chief Communication Officer at Descente, said “We are delighted to launch our partnership with the Royal Windsor Triathlon as part of our global series of AWAKEN events.
“Descente has a long association with triathlon and has been the official apparel partner of British Triathlon over many years. We look forward to being with athletes and fans in Windsor in June to celebrate this great sport and event together.”
www.royalwindsortriathlon.co.uk
