Stroud’s thriving endurance community has a new premier racing destination on its doorstep with the launch of The Lake Triathlon Series 2026, marking the first time the venue has organised its own competitive calendar.
While Cromhall Quarry has long been a popular host for multisport events, this season marks a significant milestone as The Lake takes full control of the organisation and promotion for the first time. Situated just off Junction 14 of the M5, the site is widely regarded as having some of the cleanest inland open water in the UK, providing a spectacular and safe environment for this new debut series.
The 2026 series is designed to be a comprehensive racing experience, ensuring every detail is covered for the participants. Each registration includes professional chip timing for accurate results, podium medals for finishers, and series points for every event completed.
Athletes will also receive free swim hats and have access to a secure transition area with numbered racking. The events are fully supported by professional First Aid and water safety teams, and on-site facilities including toilets and changing rooms.
The competition itself follows a standard sprint-distance format, beginning with a 750m swim in the crystal-clear waters. This is followed by an 18km road bike course through the undulating local lanes, concluding with a 5km run that brings athletes back into the scenic quarry for a final push to the finish line.
Leading this new chapter is Outdoor Activities Manager Paul Breen, who brings a formidable reputation from the regional endurance scene. As a seasoned Race Director, Breen is well known for his work with Gert Lush Events, where he successfully delivers high-profile challenges including the notoriously gruelling Berkeley Marathons and the Breakheart Backyard Ultra.
“Taking the triathlon series in-house allows us to really lean into what makes this venue so special,” said Paul Breen.
“My experience with events such as the Berkeley Marathons has always been about creating a community atmosphere around a challenge. We want to bring that same energy to The Lake.
“Whether you are a seasoned triathlete chasing a personal best or a newcomer taking your first dip in open water, we’ve designed this series to be professional, safe, and welcoming.”
The series consists of five races held on the second Wednesday of each month, with a weekend finale in September. The first four events take place on 13th May, 10th June, 8th July, and 12th August. For these midweek races, registration opens at the lakeside marquee from 5:30 PM, with the first wave starting at 6:45 PM.
The season concludes with the Series Championship finale on Saturday, 12th September. This final event features a morning start, with registration from 7:30 AM and races beginning at 8:45 AM.
The series operates on a points-based system; while prizes are awarded to the first person across the line at each race, the more events an athlete completes, the better their chance of being crowned the Overall Series Champion.
The decision to run the series in-house follows a landmark year for the venue, with management noting that the move is a natural progression following the growth seen in recent months.
“In 2025, we saw a high number of people visiting The Lake for the first time, and it was particularly encouraging to see our activities attracting a broader demographic to the site,” said Marketing Manager Carl Hewlett.
“We already have a dedicated community of triathletes who travel from across the South West to use our facilities for their training. By launching The Lake Triathlon Series, we are providing a professional, organised way for them to hone their skills right where they train.
“With Paul’s expertise at the helm, we are confident that the series will be a huge success. It’s about channelling the energy of the last twelve months into a signature series that not only showcases our incredible venue, but offers a premier, locally-run experience that the South West sporting community can truly call its own.”
Entries for the 2026 series are expected to fill up quickly. To secure your place in a single race or the full series, visit the official The Lake’s RaceNation page: https://race-nation.co.uk/register/the-lake.
