Your First Triathlon Starts Here

Coach’s quick read: Try the Tri gives complete beginners six weeks of coached swim, bike and run training for $100. You will build practical skills, prepare for race day and receive 40% off your first 2XU Triathlon Series race entry.

Reading about early bird entries and wondering whether this could be the season you finally try a triathlon?

You do not need racing experience, an expensive bike or years of training behind you. You need a supportive place to begin, coaches who understand first timers and a clear path from your first session to the finish line.

That is what Tri Alliance’s Try the Tri program provides. It is a six week Melbourne program for complete beginners and adults of all fitness levels, with five coached sessions available each week across swimming, cycling and running.

What makes Try the Tri a proven starting point?

Try the Tri has been turning Melbourne beginners into triathletes for more than 20 years. It began in the 2004/05 season with six intakes, each one building to a race at St Kilda, Elwood, Sandringham or Portarlington. Two decades and more than 1,000 finishers later, the formula that works hasn’t changed: expert coaching, a supportive squad, and a real finish line to aim for.

Every intake is built around the questions first timers actually ask: how to swim in open water, what happens in transition, and what to do on race day. Many graduates keep training with Tri Alliance afterwards, and some go on to sprint and Olympic distance races.

Can people like me really reach the finish line?

Almost everyone arrives with a doubt: the swim, their fitness, or whether they will fit in. Here is what graduates wrote to us once the six weeks were done, in their own words.

“It was awesome, scary beforehand but such a good feeling afterwards and excited for the next one.”

Emma

“The coaching and support team were so great, it’s an amazing program. I had the best day! My family are all sinkers and still can’t believe I swam that far, let alone do anything else after!!”

Alice

“It was such an awesome experience and made triathlons more accessible and less intimidating! I think I’m hooked now.”

Jess

“I learnt so much and realise now it was way more fun doing it in a group than attempting it solo.”

Torren

“The past 5 weeks have honestly been the most fun in a long time. I have loved it… I was hooked from our first combo session.”

Nikki

“What you and Ollie have created is nothing short of amazing and I’m very grateful to have found you both!”

Steve

And the finish line is often only the start. Janine is a Try the Tri graduate who still trains with us. After a recent session she emailed her coach:

“Thanks for the 5km swim Ollie! Never thought I’d be able to do this!”

Janine

What will you get during the six weeks?

Each week gives you several chances to practise with coaches and fellow beginners. You can attend five coached sessions across the three disciplines, with technique development built into swimming, cycling and running.

Your training also includes:

• Open water swim confidence building.
• Transition practice, race preparation and practical tips.
• A private chat group with coaches and fellow athletes.
• Weekly training advice, tips and motivation.
• A pre-race walk-through and course overview.

You will also receive 40% off your first 2XU Triathlon Series race entry, plus exclusive TriShop discounts.

Which intake fits your season?

There are five intakes across the 2026/27 season. Each one finishes with a 2XU Triathlon Series event, giving your training a clear goal and a race day to work towards.

Programs fill fast and spots are limited, so choose the intake that best matches your calendar.

What gear do you need to begin?

The gear list is simple. Bring what you need to train safely and comfortably:

• Goggles and swimmers. A wetsuit is optional.
• A helmet and any road-safe bike.
• Runners and comfortable activewear.

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p style=”border-left-color:#ffff00;border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fff9d9;padding-top:18px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:18px;padding-left:20px”>Training truth: You do not need to be fit to start. You need to start, then let consistent coaching and practice build your confidence.

Is Try the Tri for me?

If you are an adult considering your first triathlon, Try the Tri was built for you. All fitness levels are welcome, and no racing experience is required.

You might be comfortable in one discipline and completely new to another. You might feel nervous about open water, transitions or training with a group. The program gives you six weeks to learn each part with structure, coaching and people working towards the same goal.

For $100, you receive a practical introduction to triathlon, regular access to coached sessions and support that carries through to race day. Your first step is simply choosing your intake and booking your place in Try the Tri.

Turn “maybe one day” into your first finish line.