Orkney 2025 | International Island Games XX

What are the Island Games?
The Island Games are a biennial multi-sport event organised by the International Island Games Association (IIGA), bringing together island communities from around the world – typically up to 24 member-islands – to compete in a vibrant festival of sport and culture. Since their inception in 1985, the Games have grown into a unique celebration of athleticism, cultural identity, and camaraderie across island regions.

The 20th edition will be hosted by Orkney from 12–18 July 2025, marking the first time the archipelago has welcomed this international gathering . With an expected 2,000-2,500 participants, it will be the largest multi‑sport event ever held in Orkney.

The Triathlon Event
The triathlon will be held on Sunday 13 July 2025 at Stromness Harbour and the surrounding areas. 13 island nations, made up of 52 athletes in the open category and 23 in the female category, will come together to compete.

Swim: Competitors start with a deep-water start, swimming two laps in Stromness Marina.
Bike: A scenic 5-lap course covering 5 × 8 km laps on closed roads, with the transition zone at the harbour.
Run: A 4-lap run, each of 2.5 km, routed through the streets of Stromness, finishing in the harbour.

The race times for the leading three athletes from each qualifying nation are then combined to determine the first three teams.

Race Director, Bob Newton, said:
“The Island Games take place every two years, but the hosting opportunity is a generational occurrence. Orkney are fully prepared and excited to be welcoming nearly 4,000 people to these fine islands this weekend. The Triathlon race, held on the streets and surrounding countryside of historic Stromness, will be the Games first medal. The Orkney Triathlon Club’s small nucleus of members will be swelled by over 100 volunteers who are primed and ready to make this a truly memorable event for the competitors, and themselves. The legacy for the Club includes a comprehensive suite of race equipment, race operation and safety training and the irreplaceable experience of staging an international event.”

Why It Matters
The triathlon is one of 12 sports featured at the 2025 Games, showcasing our sport amid Orkney’s striking maritime landscape.

Beyond competition, it serves as a growing platform for island athletic talent and offers a lasting sporting legacy for communities like Stromness.

As part of a larger initiative, the Games strive to promote healthy living, island cultural identity, and environmental consciousness.

Experience the Triathlon
If you are heading up to Orkney to watch the Island Games live, this guide provides useful information about the Games and the local area.

Can’t make it? You can watch live streams on the Orkney Island Games Youtube channel.

A full list of results will be posted here.

Scottish Athletes
We have 20 Scottish athletes from Orkney and Shetland competing at the Games this year. We want to wish them all the best of luck with their races – we know they will do us proud!

Orkney athletes

• Erik Bews
• Jo Donaldson
• Robbie Innes
• Rebecca Learmonth
• Alison Leitch
• Bobby Oag
• Caron Oag
• Claire Rendall
• Marcus Shearer
• Andrew Skea

Shetland athletes

• Andrew Aitken
• Lewis Anderson
• Andrew Grant
• Wendy Hatrick
• Lynsey Henderson
• James Irvine
• Emma Leask
• Louise Parr
• Cameron Read
• Scott Riise