St Ives Biathlon 2026 Starts Swimmingly

The date and vital support has been confirmed for a popular annual event which takes place in Cornwall’s summer calendar.

St Ives Surf Life Saving Club are delighted to announce that Cornish Riviera Holidays will be returning to headline sponsor their 2026 St Ives Biathlon, with the date now set for 6th June.

This will mark the 28^th year for the St Ives Biathlon, and the 68^th anniversary of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, with Cornish Riviera Holidays returning for a second year to headline support the charity’s flagship event.

Chris Simpson, Chair of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon Event Lead said:

“We are excited to announce the date and so grateful to Cornish Riviera Holidays for confirming their headline sponsorship of the St Ives Biathlon for another year. Andy and Matt are an absolute pleasure to work with and their support and passion for the town is so important to us. From incorporating the Biathlon theme into their logo to help publicise the 2025 event in the lead-up and producing Jute bags for every entrant on the day, through to starting the main race and giving out medals as swimmers emerged on the slipway, we were overwhelmed by Cornish Riviera Holidays teams’ drive to get involved and support the Biathlon however they could last year and we’re excited for this year”.

Andy Dale, Co-Director of Cornish Riviera Holidays said:

“The St Ives Biathlon is a fantastic annual event. It draws so many people to the town – visitors and locals, taking part and supporting. The atmosphere is amazing on the day, with huge crowds of people lining the route, especially across the harbour. Cornish Riviera Holidays is extremely proud to be supporting this exciting event for another year and we would like to say a huge well done and thank you to everyone involved in organising it.”

Matt Nellyer, Co-Director of Cornish Riviera Holidays added:

“By sponsoring the St Ives Biathlon, Cornish Riviera Holidays is able to not only help with an event that grows year-on-year, but it is also a way for us to support St Ives Surf Life Saving Club. The Club trains the lifeguards and lifesavers of the future, helping to keep both locals and visitors safe in the water. As a local business that puts community at the heart of everything we do, we are delighted to support the event and the charity for another year.”

Duncan Wilson, Treasurer for St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon organiser said:

“With thanks to Cornish Riviera Holidays, key elements of the event are already coming together for this year. With 6^th June now set for the event, online entries will open soon – keep an eye on our socials - raising much needed funds for the club.”

The St Ives Biathlon is a highlight for many – from locals who enter year-on-year, through to people who travel from across the UK and further afield to undertake the event as part of their Biathlon and Triathlon calendars.

There is an amazing atmosphere of camaraderie amongst entrants across the different categories which include the Main Event – aged 17+; Novice – aged 17+; Juniors - aged 12 to 16; Vets – aged 40 to 49; Super Vets - aged 50 to 59; and Senior Vets – aged 60+.

With a huge crowd of supporters lining the route across the harbour and along coast path every year, the Biathlon involves the whole St Ives Community and is a key fundraiser and awareness event for St Ives Surf Life Saving Club. 

With sponsors, entrants, spectators and supporters on the day, as well as publicity in the lead up, during and after the event, the Biathlon reaches far and wide.

For further information about the Biathlon, St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and sponsorship opportunities for 2026, visit the club’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.