Race Report | 2025 Scottish National Aquathlon Championships

Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club Loch Lomond.

The Bikeless Beastie Aquathlon – a 750 m open‑water swim followed by a 5 km run through beautiful Balloch Country Park – served as the official 2025 Scottish National Aquathlon Championship this year. Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond at Balloch Castle Country Park, the event combined crisp water, well-marked run loops, and a welcoming atmosphere created by Lomond Swimming & Triathlon Club’s cheer squad.

The Open category was a thriller from the first splash to the final stride. Sam Burton led out of the water, closely followed by a tightly packed chase group that included Sam Beattie, Thomas Robertson, Ewan Mitchell, Angus Lindsay, Daniel Hendry, and Ruairidh Stirling. Beattie wasted no time in transition, clocking a rapid changeover that saw them hit the run course with a 19-second lead.

Angus Lindsay put in a blistering run – the fastest of the day – but it wasn’t quite enough to reel in Beattie, who held strong to claim the win, with Lindsay taking a well-earned second. Meanwhile, Ruairidh Stirling showed off their run strength, surging through the field from fifth to grab the final podium spot in third.

The Female category delivered just as much excitement, with a commanding performance from Jessica Heeps who led from the gun and never looked back, cruising to a well-deserved victory. Behind her, the race for the remaining podium spots was wide open, with Juliette Kidd and Alice Gray emerging from the water right on Heeps’ heels and charging into the run.

Kara McKenzie-Tait wasn’t about to settle, digging deep on the final leg to climb from fourth and steal the third podium spot, just edging out Kidd. Gray held her pace brilliantly to secure second with a strong and composed run. Despite clocking the fastest run split of the day, Hannah Terrance just missed the podium, crossing the line in fourth in one of the tightest finishes of the race.

This year’s championship featured fierce competition and showcased Scotland’s finest athletes racing in a friendly yet challenging setting, with the run route looping through lush parkland and finishing near the castle grounds.

Triathlon Scotland praised the organisers for putting on a top-class event that delivered a great experience for both athletes and spectators. A huge thank you was also extended to the marshals, volunteers, and Technical Officials whose support and dedication helped make the day so memorable.

Triathlon Scotland would also like to thank Freedom Boat Club Loch Lomond for their sponsorship of the Championship event. More about the boat club and how you can hire your own boat can be found here.

Full results