Is a Triathlon on Your Bucket List?
If you are looking for a way to cross off some items from your bucket list, then triathlon is a good option. There are lots of different events to choose from, so you will be sure to find a challenge that is right for you.
Brutal Triathlon
If you’ve been following the extreme triathlon scene, you may have heard of the Brutal Triathlon. With a name that evokes an unpleasant image, it’s hard to look past this event. Featuring a 1.25 km swim, a 1111.2-mileage, and a 2-mile five-mile run, this is the perfect race to put on your bucket list.
For the true triathlete, you can take part in the full Brutal and half Brutal versions, each of which features a different distance. The Half Brutal course is a five mile course, while the full Brutal is a nine-mile route that’s ideal for those who are more athletically inclined. In addition to the swim, the bike and the run, Brutal also offers several other disciplines, including a half Ironman, a full Ironman, and a double Ironman.
Aside from the standard swim, bike, and run, Brutal Extreme Triathlons also feature some of the most exciting terrains around. The bike course goes up and down Wales’s tallest mountain and includes a 2,500 ft ascent on each 29-mile loop. Plus, the Brutal Ultramarathon is a 180km bike leg that requires over 3,000m of climbing. This may sound like a lot of slack, but the view from the top of the mountain is a sight to behold.
The Brutal Triathlon also comes with a few perks, like a beer tent at the finish line, and a cool little finishers festival. You can also enter the event as a relay team, or take your chances on the full and half Brutal. Those who wish to qualify for the full Brutal can attend one of the Escape Academy clinics.
While Brutal’s most famous competitor, Xterra’s world championship race, has recently been cancelled in Hawaii, the world’s toughest triathlon, Brutal Extreme Triathlons, is scheduled to return to the Big Island in 2022. It’s a fitting conclusion to a race that is arguably the toughest in the world. Whether you’re interested in the full Brutal, a Half Brutal, or the Double Brutal, it’s a race you won’t soon forget. Take a look at the website to find out more about this exciting adventure.
Challenge Wanaka
Challenge Wanaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon races. Held in the southern Alps, the course is a tough, challenging, and beautiful experience. It offers everything from a fun family event to a challenge for the pros.
The challenge starts in Glendhu Bay and takes athletes through the township of Wanaka. The bike course is 120 kilometres long and features 795 meters of climbing. Guests can enjoy scenic pristine bike tracks and spectacular views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Thousands of spectators line the route, providing a perfect backdrop to the sport. There are two options for race day – a full-distance triathlon or a half-distance race.
In addition to Challenge Wanaka, the Sports Trust also hosts recreational events and social activities. The Mitre 10 Secondary Schools Challenge and Puzzling World Junior Challenge, both held the week before the event, are ideal for younger triathletes.
Challenge Wanaka also has an adaptive race for physically impaired competitors. This year, the event featured multiple world champion Javier Gomez, as well as Australian veteran Belinda Granger, New Zealand professional triathlete Jamie Whyte, and up-and-coming athlete Sam Osbourne.
Challenge Wanaka is a bucket list race for both athletes and spectators. This triathlon festival is a popular event in the New Zealand calendar, as it features a variety of events for all ages and abilities. As the country’s largest and most scenic triathlon race, it draws close to 3,000 athletes and 10,000 spectators to the scenic town of Wanaka in the Southern Alps.
Challenge Wanaka is an official Ignite People’s Choice award winner. The race, which has received accolades for its family-friendly atmosphere, injects $4 million into the local economy and has also profiled the city of Wanaka overseas.
Challenge Wanaka is run by the Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust, a charitable trust. All proceeds from the event benefit the community. Athletes and spectators can check out the Challenge Wanaka website or the Challenge Wanaka app to get event details and updates.
Volunteers are also needed. To help the Challenge Wanaka volunteer crew, please bring a deck chair, sunscreen, and a T-shirt or an official crew t-shirt. If you are volunteering for an aid station, you should check in on the job description sheet and bring a pen to record any issues that may arise during the event.
Leeds Triathlon
If you are looking for a triathlon course that is both challenging and fun, the Leeds Triathlon could be your best bet. This event attracts thousands of competitors, making it one of the most popular in the World Triathlon Series. Featuring a point-to-point route and 4,000m of total ascent, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
One of the most iconic parts of the course is the Eton High Street circuit. Athletes complete three laps, featuring a short sharp hill. The finish line is on Barry Avenue and is an iconic rite of passage for British triathletes.
Another unique feature of the Leeds Triathlon is the Helvellyn Mountain Run. It is a nine-mile fell race which is challenging because of its steep elevation. In addition to the 950m climb, this course is also highly technical, with competitors taking on narrow paths and loose rock. Runners should be experienced with fell running to compete in this race.
The 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series is coming to Leeds. It will feature many of the world’s top triathletes, as well as a relay option. Amongst the field are proud Yorkshiremen Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Non-Stanford, and Vicky Holland.
In addition to the main event, the Light Festival is also a popular event. Held every year, this festival showcases a range of awe-inspiring installations, performances, and street art. At night, the Leeds Light Festival features a parade and is a must-see.
Leeds also has a variety of places to eat and drink. Many of these are located in the city centre, but there are also great eateries nearby. Besides, the city is home to some of the finest parks in the UK. For a triathlete, there are several excellent training facilities, including the Leeds Triathlon Centre.
Whether you are a professional athlete, or simply want to try your hand at triathlon, there are many great options. Whether you are looking for a challenge or want to join the ranks of the elite, you can find your perfect race in Leeds.
Escape from Alcatraz
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, which is held annually, is a multi-sport event that includes a swim from Alcatraz, an 18-mile bike race, and an 8-mile run. It was originally created as a private club event but was later marketed as a public triathlon.
It has become one of the most popular triathlons in the world, and each year sells out fast. Participants can choose from a Professional or an Age Group Amateur division. As for the swim, the course begins with a mile-and-a-half swim from Alcatraz Island. After that, participants head over to Golden Gate National Recreation Area for an eight-mile run.
This triathlon is a challenging race, with a cap of 2,000 participants. Depending on the level of competition, you can choose an Age Group Amateur Professional or Elite division. To qualify for the Escape from Alcatraz, you can either participate in a qualifying series or apply through a random lottery.
In addition to the triathlon, there is a charity entry option. These are available through non-profit partners. Alternatively, you can compete in an Open Relay, if you have at least three other teammates.
Those who are new to this type of event can gain valuable training in the Escape Academy Clinic. Additionally, you can enter an ESCAPE Challenge, if you are a group of friends or co-workers who want to compete.
One of the most famous parts of this race is the swim, where athletes jump into the Pacific Ocean and swim to Marina Green. Athletes are required to wear a wetsuit. During the race, a sand ladder is also used. Those who are unsure about this can get a feel for the race by checking out the videos on the Escape from Alcatraz website.
The bike course is a challenging 18-mile ride through Golden Gate Park. At mile 5, a notorious “sand ladder” will be used. Those who aren’t strong enough to climb it will be taken from the beach to the road.
The final leg of the race will be an 8-mile run, including a climb up the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The finish line will be at Marina Green Beach.