When discussing the most famous and/or the hardest triathlons in the world, it should not be surprising to find that the list includes a lot of US events.
The triathlon was born and made popular in the US, along with the iconic IRONMAN events that have now sprouted up in many corners of the earth. John Beall is the Founder of Rise Bodyworks and a triathlon enthusiast, and below he lists some of the top events taking place in the US and abroad.
Top US Triathlons
Following are some of the top races held in the US:
1. Ironman 70.3 Hawaii (Kohala Coast, Hawaii)
Middle Distance (1.9k swim; 90k bike; 21.2k run)
You may be there for the grueling event, but runners also get to enjoy the full view and experience of the most stunning vistas, along with the volcanoes and tropical rainforests, not to mention the gorgeous beaches. But at the same time, the humidity, heat, and the steep climbs are particularly challenging.
John Beall explains that a perk of participating in this event is that participants get a full taste of how an Ironman World Championship course feels like, without needing to qualify.
2. Escape from Alcatraz (San Francisco, California)
Distance (1.5k swim; 29k bike; 12.9k run)
The distance on this race exceeds Olympic lengths but is not as high as the typical Ironman. Having said that, the Alcatraz triathlon will put participants to the test based on the famous daring escape from 1962. Contestants must jump from a boat into the cold and strong currents of San Francisco Bay and make their way over to the Golden Gate Bridge.
John Beall explains that once they hit shore, a tiring bike leg and close to 13 km run awaits them, including a date with the infamous 400 step sand ladder. It’s not a race for the unprepared.
3. Wildflower Experience (Lake San Antonio, California)
Middle Distance Course (1.9k swim; 90k bike; 21.2k run)
Olympic (1.5k swim; 40k bike; 10k run)
Off-road Sprint (0.4k swim; 16.1k bike; 3.2k run)
On-road Sprint (0.5k swim; 20k bike; 5k run)
This race is sometimes described as the Woodstock of the modern-day triathlon. The four event choices – which can be particularly brutal especially in the hilly parts of the course – are supplemented by other multisport and more basic events. For example, John Beall of Rise Bodyworks says there are aquabike and plain running options if the triathlon event is not to the athlete’s liking.
There are plenty of relaxation options also at the Wildflower Experience. Many spectators will join the contestants in the beer gardens, wine tasting and campfires that intersperse the artistic and live entertainment taking place all around.
Top Non-US Triathlons
Below are five great world triathlon venues.
1. Ironman Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain)
Middle Distance (1.9k swim; 90k bike; 21.1k run)
Located off the coast of Africa, John Beall explains the Lanzarote region is known for contrasting tropical beaches and a rugged volcanic landscape. The iconic bike leg, with over 8,000 feet of climbing, buffeted with relentless winds while completely exposed to the elements, makes this an epic race for triathletes the world over.
2. Noosa Triathlon (Noosa Beach, Queensland, Australia)
Olympic (1.5k swim; 40k bike; 10k run)
The biggest single triathlon event in the world with over 8,000 participants that compete on the stunning seacoast and rainforest terrain on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this event is one of a series of multisport events that focus on cycling, swimming and running. Many participants decide to chill out at the location afterwards.
3. London Tri (London, UK) – Choose from One of Four Events
Olympic Plus (1.5k swim; 80k bike; 10k run)
Olympic (1.5k swim; 40k bike; 10k run)
Sprint (0.75k swim; 20k bike; 5k run)
Super Sprint (0.4k swim; 10k bike; 2.5k run)
John Beall notes that the main event lasts two days, offering participants the choice among four races as outlined above. The Olympic event is the most popular among serious triathletes.
This is the most popular triathlon event in the world, typically featuring well over 10,000 participants and 30,000 spectators per year.
A special consideration is the Weekend Warrior challenge, where you can take part in as many events as you can withstand, with a chance to be named the Warrior.
4. IRONMAN New Zealand Triathlon (Taupo, New Zealand)
Middle Distance (1.9k swim; 90k bike; 21.1k run)
This race is being held for over 35 years and is known to be the most iconic triathlon event in the world after the Kailua-Kona Ironman event in Hawaii. Over half of the contestants arrive from outside the country, looking to enjoy the pristine beauty of their surroundings – especially the swim on Lake Taupo.
5. Norseman Xtreme Triathlon (Point to Point Locations, Norway)
Middle Distance (1.9k swim; 90k bike; 21.1k run)
Living up to its “Xtreme” designation, this race pushes its participants to their extreme points of endurance, both in endurance and also battling the elements. One of the true highlights is the jump into the ice cold Hardangerfjord, but the 17,000+ feet crossed over the run and bike courses are equally impressive and arduous.
There is good reason for this event to be considered the toughest triathlon in the world.
The IRONMAN World Championship
Among the best events held anywhere in the world is the IRONMAN World Championship. Qualifying events are held on many of the courses listed above according to John Beall. This pinnacle race event is held in Kailua-Kona in Hawaii.
