Your Guide to Getting Started
Welcome to the PACTRAC Juniors! Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your triathlon skills to the next level, our junior section is here to support and encourage you every step of the way. Boys and girls aged 8 to 16 are all welcome to join our vibrant community. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting started.
When Do We Meet?
We train every other Sunday at Stanground Sports Centre. The full address is:
Stanground Sports Centre
Peterborough Road
Stanground
Peterborough
PE7 3BW
It’s a great opportunity for both boys and girls to learn, improve, and have fun with fellow young triathletes. All our coaches are BTF registered and DBS checked, ensuring a safe and professional environment for your children.
Do I Need to Be Really Good to Join?
Not at all! We welcome all levels of ability. As long as you’re between 8 and 16 years old and can swim two lengths (50m) without help, you’re good to go! We make sure to group kids by age and ability, so you’ll always be training with others who are just like you—whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Cycling: A cycle helmet is a must. Any bike will do as long as it’s in good working order.
Running: A pair of trainers, shorts, a t-shirt, and a tracksuit are essential. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket if it’s raining and gloves if it’s cold.
Swimming: You’ll need a swimsuit, goggles, and optionally a swim hat. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during sessions.
What Do Junior Sessions Include?
Our Junior sessions are packed with a variety of activities to help develop your skills in all aspects of triathlon:
Swim Sessions: We train in a 25m laned pool, offering the full range of swim training. This includes warm-ups, technical training & technique drills, short interval sets, full range of strokes, open water practice, turns, mixed relays, and warm downs.
Bike Sessions: Held on the school field, our bike sessions include a mix of technical bike handling, bike set-up, gear selection, interval training, swim-to-bike and bike-to-run transitions, as well as mini-races.
Run Sessions: Also held on the school field, our run training includes technical run drills, pacing, interval training, bike-to-run transitions, and mini-races, along with mixed relay races.
Transition Sessions: We focus on transition skills on the school field, covering swim-to-bike and bike-to-run transitions, along with mini-transition races.
Fun Sessions: At PACTRAC Juniors, we believe in the importance of having fun while staying active. Our sessions mix in plenty of games and activities, both in the pool and on the field, ensuring that the kids enjoy themselves while getting fit.
Is It Really Competitive?
Our main goal is for everyone, boys and girls alike, to have fun. Training is challenging but achievable for those with basic fitness. For those who are more competitive, we participate in races and regional leagues. There’s something for everyone!
You’re welcome to join us just for the training, and there’s absolutely no pressure to compete in a junior triathlon if you’re not ready or simply not interested. Our focus is on helping you enjoy the process, build your skills, and have fun—whether that means training with friends or eventually taking part in races. It’s all about what works best for you!
Do You Have Any Events?
Yes, we do! We host a couple of practice events each season to help boys and girls get comfortable with race conditions. We also participate in the Frostbite Friendly League during the winter, which is a series of cross-country events that are fun for both children and adults.
Where Can I Find Updates?
Once you join, you can request access to our PACTRAC Juniors Facebook page for regular updates. We also send out emails with important information.
Do You Swim Only in Swimming Pools?
While we often train in pools, some events take place in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. We organize open water training at Tallington Lakes, where we also have a limited number of wetsuits available for use.
What Club Kit Do You Have?
We offer a range of club kit including trisuits, hoodies, beanies, and tops. Our ‘shop’ is usually open before and after training sessions.
Want to Know More?
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information. You can reach us via email at pactrac.tri@gmail.com. For more information, you can also visit the British Triathlon website at https://www.britishtriathlon.org/get-involved/juniors/tristar/become-a-triathlete
We look forward to seeing you at training and welcoming you to the PACTRAC Juniors community, where both boys and girls can thrive and enjoy the sport of triathlon!