Spotlight On… St Ives Biathlon

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One epic run. One wild swim. One very Cornish challenge.

The St Ives Biathlon combines some of SplashRobe’s dearest loves: sea swimming, Cornwall, community - and a celebratory pint and pasty once you’re over the finish line.

We were first lucky enough to take part as competitors back in 2019, albeit with a certain amount of trepidation about the elevation to the Huer’s Hut and some questionable levels of fitness!

But our first Biathlon opened our eyes to the glorious mix of competitors it attracts: young and old, incredible athleticism, applaudable enthusiasm and, for good measure, a couple of St Ives’ most famous mermaids.

For the past couple of years, we’ve been delighted to return in a rather different capacity, joining the event as sponsors.

More than just a race

Now in its 28th year, the St Ives Biathlon is organised by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and has become a much-loved fixture in the Cornish sporting calendar.

The challenge is exactly what it sounds like: run along the spectacular Cornish coast before taking to the sea and swimming back towards the heart of St Ives. There are main, novice, junior, veterans and senior veterans categories, making it an event that genuinely welcomes a wonderfully broad range of competitors.

But the Biathlon is about much more than the race.

It’s the flagship fundraising event for St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, helping support its year-round work teaching water safety, lifesaving and rescue skills to the local community, as well as its junior and nipper programmes.

The whole town gets behind it

And that community spirit is a huge part of what makes the Biathlon special.

On race day, St Ives comes alive. Competitors travel from across Cornwall, the UK and beyond, while spectators line the harbour and coastline to cheer them on. Volunteers, local businesses and community organisations all play their part.

It’s competitive, absolutely.

But it’s also incredibly welcoming.

Whether you’re racing the full course, tackling the novice route, cheering on a junior, volunteering on the day or simply standing on the harbour watching swimmers come home, you’re part of it.

And that feels very SplashRobe.

Embrace the Elements

Because this is exactly the kind of adventure we created SplashRobe for.

The run.
The sea.
The wind.
The nerves at the start.
The exhilaration of hitting the water.
The slightly wobbly legs afterwards.
And, of course, that well-earned pint and pasty.

Sometimes the elements are something to overcome.

Sometimes they’re the best part.

We’re incredibly proud to sponsor the St Ives Biathlon and to support the amazing volunteers, competitors and lifesavers who make this event possible.

We’ll see you on the harbour front.

Embrace the Elements.

📍 St Ives, Cornwall

🌊 Saturday 12 September 2026
🏃 Run the Cornish coast
🏊 Swim back to St Ives Harbour
❤️ Supporting St Ives Surf Life Saving Club