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National Youth Series Returns for 2025

ByEmma Porter |

The Triathlon Ireland National Youth Series is back with a fresh new look, bringing eight thrilling rounds of racing around the country for triathletes aged 11 – 17 years old. The new season will see participants test themselves against their peers on land and water in a fun, competitive environment. The refresh to the series comes after five years of remarkable growth in youth triathlon, ensuring continued success and fostering of rising talent.

A New Look

The 2025 Youth Series, supported by AIG, will have an updated structure to previous years. Over the past four years, the series has grown substantially, doubling the number of races since its inception. This remarkable growth has fostered increased participation and enthusiasm for youth triathlon across the country.

To ensure the continued success and fairness of the series, as well as to support the development of young athletes, Triathlon Ireland has undertaken a comprehensive review of the series as it enters its fifth year. These updates reflect its commitment to aligning with international standards and enhancing the experience for our young athletes, in line with strategic goals.

What’s Different?

Age Group Adjustments

The age group structure has been refined to better align with international categories.

The Youth Series, supported by AIG Insurance is based on World Triathlon guidance for u19s and has three age categories.

  • 11 – 12 years
  • 13 – 14 years
  • 15 – 17 years

Standardised Race Distances

Race distances have been modified for each category, ensuring fairness and consistency. A 10% margin of adjustment is allowed for location-based restrictions.

Impact of Changes

Alignment with Global Standards

The updated age groups and distances now match those recognised by World Triathlon and other National Federations.

Athlete Development

Adjusting race categories and distances supports athletes’ progression through age-appropriate challenges, ensuring a smoother transition to higher competition levels.

Inclusivity and Safety

Standardised race formats across locations and age groups will ensure fair and safe competition.

How To Get started

In order to sign up for a kids, youth or junior membership with Triathlon Ireland, please click HERE.

Youth Series Scoring & Titles

All series races are run in accordance with the Triathlon Ireland Competition and Technical Rules. It takes in 8 of Ireland’s best triathlons, duathlons and aquathlons for 11 – 17 year olds. Starting in April and running right through to September, athletes get to test themselves against their peers to see who will take home the Series titles.

To qualify for a final score in the series, an athlete must complete any three events. Scoring is based on the athletes highest accumulated points.

Titles and medals can only be won by individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, as detailed below.

You must be a valid Membership holder prior to the completion of the final series event (Kids Membership/Youth Membership/Junior Membership)

YOUTH SERIES POINTS SYSTEM

The series points are calculated based on a reduction by 7.5% for the first 20 finishers and by 4% thereafter. Winners receive 700 points, Points reduced by 7.5% for the first 20 finishers and by 4% thereafter. Males and Females are ranked separately with overall and age group rankings displayed.

The Youth National Championship race points are calculated based on a reduction by 7.5% for the first 20 finishers and by 4% thereafter. Winners receive 1000 points. Points reduced by 7.5% for the first 20 finishers and by 4% thereafter. Males and Females are ranked separately with overall and age group rankings displayed.

To qualify for the series athletes must complete three events. Scoring is based on the highest accumulated points across an athlete’s best three (3) events across the series.

Prizes

Triathlon Ireland awards series prizes at the end of the season for the first three overall winners in each age category for both male and female.

Prizes on race day are provided at the discretion of the race organisers.

Rules

Please refer to the Triathlon Ireland 2021 Derogations HERE for competition rules for under 19 events. It is the competitors responsibility, or parent/guardian if the athlete is under 18, to know the rules by which Triathlon Ireland Youth Series events are governed, both in relation to the competition rules by which competitors must abide by, but also eligibility rules.

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