Supertri has announced an ambitious target of recruiting 10,000 new participants into the sport of triathlon through an expanded First-Timer Programme for the 2026 season.
The initiative follows trials conducted in 2025 and will now be implemented across all eight of the company’s events.
The First-Timer Programme is a central component of Supertri’s strategy to grow the sport by reducing barriers to entry. According to the company, 41% of its race entrants in 2025 were competing in their first triathlon. The 2026 expansion aims to build on this momentum by providing structured support and inclusive race formats.
The First-Timer Programme includes:
- 12 weeks of a free structured training plan presented by TriDot
- Live online sessions with Supertri staff, TriDot coaches, and the event race director to answer any questions about the event or how to train for it
- Exclusive Facebook group access with FAQs, gear checklists, nutrition basics, race-day guides and more
- An option to start with other first-timers
- Rack together experience in transition zones, so first-timers can support each other
- First-Timer support on race day, and coaches on hand at event expos to assist and answer questions
- First-Timer bell moment on the course to mark achievement
- Special announcer shout-outs
New triathletes enrolled in the programme will receive a 12-week structured training plan presented by TriDot. The support package also includes live online sessions with Supertri staff, TriDot coaches, and race directors to address questions regarding training and race day logistics.
Michael D’hulst, CEO and Co-Founder at Supertri said “Many of us can remember how hard it was to sign up for our first triathlon, from finding the right event to feelings of uncertainty over how to train, what kit you need, how intimidating a race experience may be and much more. For many people, that alone can put them off coming into our sport and hinders its growth.”
He continued “By using these events and building and supporting a first-timer community through our First-Timer Programme, we believe we can help break down barriers to entry and bring many more people into the sport.”
Supertri, which is headquartered in London, UK, recently expanded its international portfolio with the acquisition of the Blenheim Palace Triathlon in the UK and the New Jersey State Triathlon in Mercer County Park, NJ.
With these additions, the company now owns two of the ‘big five’ short-course triathlon events globally, including the Chicago Triathlon. The 2026 race calendar is designed to integrate elite professional racing with mass participation festivals across North America and Europe.
Existing entrants for the 2026 Blenheim Palace and New Jersey State events will have their entries automatically transferred to the new Supertri format.
