ATW x Women in Tri UK: A Partnership Driving Measurable Growth in Women’s Participation

When Women in Tri UK partnered with ATW Events (our first ever partner), the goal was simple: reduce barriers and create better race-day experiences for women.

What followed demonstrates how partnership, community trust and structural changes can translate into measurable growth.

The highlights

• 197 ATW bookings directly from the Women in Tri UK community

• 47 additional Dorney bookings made via the ATW website

• 54 open water swim bookings

• A shift in women's running participation from 43.7% in 2024 to 44.4% in 2025

These numbers reflect more than entries. They represent women taking part in their first triathlon, returning for second and third races, and building confidence in swim, bike and run.

What changed

Working collaboratively, ATW implemented practical improvements designed to better support women at events:

• Comprehensive women-friendly policies, including pregnancy policies, transfers and refunds

• Women’s sized t-shirts

• Improved changing facilities in transition areas

• Free sanitary products in portable toilets

• More inclusive marketing imagery

• A quiet area at events

• Clearer, more user-friendly event guides

• Named staff members available to support participants

These are small changes individually. Together, they help create an environment where more women feel welcome and supported.

Beyond participation

The impact does not stop at the finish line. Women who began at ATW events have gone on to:

• Join our First Triathlon Programme

• Return for additional races

• Volunteer at events

• Become mentors and community leaders

This is how growth becomes sustainable. Investment at the point of entry leads to retention, progression and leadership.

The ATW case study demonstrates that when organisers and community partners work together, participation increases in ways that compound over time.

👉 Read the full case study here.