RESEARCH:
Triathlon Research Report

SheRACES, in partnership with Fund Her Tri UK, has released the most detailed research and analysis to date on the experience of women in triathlon racing, alongside solutions to improve it and increase female participation.

 

Over 900 female triathletes – ranging in experience from under a year to more than a decade racing in the sport – contributed to the survey, sharing their real-life experiences of events in the UK and around the world.

 

Only 3% of these athletes reported neither being deterred from entering a race (for reasons other than cost), nor experiencing inequitable provision as a woman.

 

In undertaking this research, the aim was to develop a deeper understanding of female experiences in triathlons and gain insight into how races can improve the experience for a diverse range of athletes, while attracting more women to the start line. Female participation in triathlon is 32% overall in the UK (source: Triathlon Industry Association), but this number drops dramatically as the distance increases.

 

Some of the key findings from the survey include:

 

• 84% of female triathletes would be more likely to enter races that committed to equitable and inclusive treatment for women

• 67% of women are put off entering triathlon events due to the cost

• 19% of women have been put off entering triathlons because of uncertainty about making the overall cutoff times

• 24% of women have been put off entering triathlons due to a lack of available logistical information

• 57% of respondents have experienced insufficient toilet provisions at race

• 69% have only been provided with unisex t-shirts

• 24% have noticed unequal coverage of the men’s and women’s competition before, during and after a race

• 42% have found a lack of private changing facilities at events

• 28% of female triathletes in the survey have experienced physical or verbal harassment at a race

• Of triathletes who became pregnant while preparing for a triathlon, 79% lost out on at least one race entry due to pregnancy

 

The full report also exposes the unacceptable harassment female triathletes have experienced while racing. This included examples of verbal harassment, such as being shouted at to move, comments about their body, clothing or ability, and race marshals and other participants making inappropriate or sexual comments. Physical harassment and abuse included being pushed and shoved, inappropriate and unwanted touching/hugging, being swam over on the swim leg, dangerously close overtaking when cycling, and running too close to a female athlete. The survey also highlights numerous examples of participants requiring medical attention or hospitalisation due to athlete behaviour.

 

Using the results of the survey and the comments of the respondents, SheRACES and Fund Her Tri UK have written a detailed report outlining the current state of the female experience in triathlon racing, which includes in-depth insight and analysis.

 

SheRACES has also written triathlon-specific race guidelines for race organisers, which outline best practice for all events to be inclusive to women. Following these simple guidelines makes triathlon better for everyone – men benefit from steps towards inclusion too.

 

Triathlons that meet the minimum commitments for female-inclusive races can also take the additional step of becoming SheRACES Accredited, highlighting their commitment to getting more women to the start line and giving them a good experience when they get there.