Introduction
The name of the TriStar Series has changed to the Welsh Junior Race Series. The change of name is to give the series a new identity, reflect the nature of the series and add the youth and junior age categories. The new identity will enable better promotion of the series, an increased awareness so young people up to 19 years of age have more opportunities to race.
The planning for the 2024 series has not been without its frustrations due to several reasons. The series is still struggling from the impact of Covid-19, the number of participants continues to be low, there has been a shortage of Welsh Triathlon staff to be able to build on the relative success of the 2023 season and there is a need for more event organisers to put on junior events. This has meant the 2024 Welsh Junior Race Series is not geographically balanced and the spread of dates not ideal.
Welsh Triathlon and the Junior Race Committee are committed to work alongside Clubs and Event Organisers to improve the series throughout 2024 and ensure the 2025 series develops into something we can all be proud to deliver. The series cannot happen without event organisers putting on events. Standalone junior events do not need the infrastructure of the larger events so are ideal for a club to deliver with the support of Welsh Triathlon; if you, or you know, of anyone interested in putting on a junior event, please contact Welsh Triathlon here.
Participation
Race in individual races, compete for a Welsh Junior Race Series title or try to qualify to represent Wales at the British Inter-Regional Championship. The individual league is open to those from the age of 9 and 19 years of age (as at 31 December 2024). Every race is open to all levels of ability no matter what your background is and is a fun way to enter the sport of Triathlon. You can also enter as many or as few races as you like.
To compete and gain points for the series overall standings you must be a member of Welsh Triathlon and have Wales as your region on your membership dashboard. If you are not a member of Welsh Triathlon on the day of the race you may still take part in the race, but you will not be awarded points and points cannot be awarded retrospectively.
Core Junior membership costs £33 or £17.50 if you belong to a club. This will provide you with insurance cover for training and racing in the UK. You can become a member here.
Classification
There are three age classifications based on year of birth. Age for each group are as at 31st December 2024.
TriStar 1: 9-10 years old (born2014/2015)
TriStar 2: 11-12 years old (born 2012/2013)
TriStar 3: 13-14 year old (born 2010/2011)
Youth: 15-16 year old (born 2008/2009)
Junior: 17-19 year old (born 2005/2007)
Results
Overall positions in 2024 will be based on points, the winning athlete in each category will be awarded 1000 points with the subsequent results calculated by dividing the winning time by the recorded time for all other athletes and multiplying the result by total points e.g.
- Winner finishes in 18min 00secs - they receive 1000 points
- Second place finisher finishes in 18min 36secs - they receive (18:00/18:36)*1000 = 968 points.
This scoring system rewards an athlete's performance as well as finishing position.
The series will be based on the best 4 events from a total of 6 events. This may be subject to change if, for whatever reason, an event is cancelled. In this case an event may be added or the number of events to count revised.
Results will be posted on this page within 10 days of race competition. Results for the 2023 series can be found here.
Communication
All information about the Welsh Junior Race Series will be shared through Welsh Triathlon newsletters to members and clubs and via Welsh Triathlon social media platforms.
Any questions about the Welsh Junior Race Series can be sent to the Events Team at Welsh Triathlon here.
Inter-Regional Championship (IRC)
The IRC is an event which brings the best athletes from each of the ten English regions, Scotland and Wales together. In the case of Wales, the team will represent Wales as a whole.
The Welsh team will be made up of a total of 16 athletes (8 female, 8 open) across TriStar 2 and TriStar 3 age groups.
The selection race(s) for the teams will be:
Tri Star 3 (13 & 14 years)
Ruthin Triathlon*
5th May 2024
Tri Star 2 (11 & 12 years)
Stephen Lewis Aquathlon
19th May 2024
*Please note the bike section will be on grass and TS3 athletes will need to be gear restricted, read more here.
Find out more about the IRCs here.
To view the 2024 Selection Policy, please click here.
Welsh Junior Race Series 2024 Events
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION | ENTRY LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14th April 2024 | Pembrey Duathlon | Pembrey Country Park | Enter Here |
| 5th May 2024 | Ruthin Triathlon | Ruthin Leisure Centre | Enter Here |
| 11th May 2024 | Llanelli Duathlon (TriStars only) | North Dock, Llanelli | Enter Here |
| 12th May 2024 | Llanelli Sprint Triathlon (Youth & Junior only) | North Dock, Llanelli | Enter Here |
| 19th May 2024 | Stephen Lewis Aquathlon | Ystradgynlais Sports Centre | Enter Here |
| 8th June 2024 | Cardiff Junior Triathlon | Maindy Stadium | Enter Here |
| 22nd September 2024 | Dreigiau Junior Triathlon | Canolfen Hamdden Dwyfor Pwllheli | Enter Here |
* Event has yet to be confirmed as part of the Welsh Junior Race Series.
