Top 12 Triathlon Destinations
Give the globe a spin towards these triathlon locations and get some sensible advice from experienced competitors on where to compete, how to practice—and even how to create new experiences even when near your home.
1. Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Ironman South Africa, situated in the tranquil beach-beside neighbourhood of Port Elizabeth, in the spectacular Nelson Mandela Bay, has become more and more celebrated over the past 10 years and was ranked second in the 2017 Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards.
This seaside town radiates a hometown atmosphere, creating a passionate atmosphere of celebration for both runners and watchers on race day.
The race starts with a single lap swim that is 2.4 miles in length and is comprised of a rectangular course. The water is usually quiet and the temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit at Hobie Beach.
Athletes start their journey at T1 and cycle along Marine Drive, with stunning views of Sardinia Bay and the exhilarating coastline. This speedy yet hilly track consists of two circuits and a turnaround point at Seaview Village.
The 26.2-mile race track will keep you engaged, as there are usually more than 75,000 spectators watching the four-lap coastal route.
This Ironman run course was selected as the top course on Earth, giving participants a stimulating journey that includes features of the Kona race, the Tour de France cycle race, and the New York City Marathon, all coming together in a triumphant finish line at Hobie Beach.
Audrey Seale, a four-time finisher of Ironman South Africa, is eager to take part once more in 2019. According to her, the event and the enthusiastic crowd make it an outstanding experience. I have taken part in Ironman competitions in both Argentina and Kona, and my favourite one is the one in Port Elizabeth.
Nothing compares to the feeling of having a crowd of supporters cheering you on as you make your way around the track, eventually leading you to the beach for the final stretch.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
If you are organizing to compete in Ironman South Africa, think about booking a training stay in Cape Town. During March and April, the weather is usually quite clement, with mild to warm temperatures, low humidity, and mostly clear skies, which is perfect for exercising.
Travel the Cape Town Riviera along the Atlantic shoreline and you’ll be able to find fantastic routes to run, extended bike rides, and the ability to swim in placid waters next to serene shorelines. Furthermore, you can take advantage of pleasurable hotels, delicious eateries, and nearby stores.
Steve Attwell, leader of Embark Triathlon Training (Embark.co.za), declares that apart from being a popular vacation spot, there is a lot to do relating to triathlon preparation; their offerings include instructed collective instruction, individualized training, and lessons for triathletes who are going to the area.
3. Ironman Cozumel
Ironman Cozumel boasts a lot of the same great characteristics as Ironman South Africa.
This beautiful vacation spot evokes a lively atmosphere and boasts a stunning clean swimming area, a speed-encouraging biking track, and a 3-part running path that will get you from the start to the end of the race with plenty of assistance and cheer. All of this culminates at the city hall, where the finish line is located. Mike Isacson, a person from the town of Chicago, reported that under non-event circumstances, Cozumel is generally a peaceful tourist spot; nevertheless, during Ironman, the whole island is abuzz.
It’s like an enormous celebration with music and cheerfulness and a Caribbean feel. The 2017 Ironman Athlete’s Choice Awards recognized this race as the ultimate swim, bike, and host-city experience, and the most likely event that would be suggested to a friend.
4. Ironman Mont-Tremblant
Since Cody Beals was a child, he has been aware of the incredible beauty of the Mont-Tremblant resort.
Beals, a professional triathlete from Guelph, Ontario, recalls spending quality time with his family at the resort 80 miles northwest of Montreal, citing it as one of the most picturesque places in the world. As a triathlete, he has competed in Olympic distance, 70.3, and full Ironman events at the location. I have a newfound admiration for the beauty of the place since I raced there. Beals was truly outstanding when he took first place at the Ironman Mont-Tremblant in August, breaking the bike section time and overall record with a time of 8:10. It’s unquestionably the most incredible course he has ever raced on. If you have riding experience, it would be wise to utilize a larger cassette than usual and if you are inexperienced, you might predicate the better choice to be a crankset that is minimal. The swim event of Ironman Tremblant is a single cycle of 2.4 miles around Lake Tremblant and the nearby temperature is 71 degrees. Additionally, runners in the Ironman get to explore a stretch of the former route operated by the Le P’tit Train du Nord, which passes by a massive waterfall and three lakes before returning to the Tremblant Resort. Beals’ biggest tip? Beals encourages people to attempt to pick up a bit of French, sharing that they said a few words in this language at their award ceremony in a town known for its French-style charm and background in Francophone culture. If you take the time to learn a few words in the language of the place you’re visiting, the people who live there will really be delighted. Even a simple “thank you” in their language would be greatly appreciated.
5. Burlington, Vt.
When discussing long-term athletic events, Burlington offers a lot of terrific opportunities—wonderful places to go for extended bicycle tours, numerous rail tracks for uninterrupted running, and swimming in Lake Champlain.
The climate in this area is similar to Mont-Tremblant, even though it is located about 3 hours to the southeast. The Lake Champlain Bikeway encompasses a system of tracks located near Burlington, creating upwards of a dozen loops that range from 10 to 60 miles in length.
This 14-mile trail is ideal for running at a steady pace for a long time. It is made up of crushed gravel and runs through the middle of Lake Champlain on a causeway.
The Champlain Valley Open Water Swimmers is a gathering that usually occurs once or twice a week in the summertime, generally at North Beach.
6. Challenge Roth
Attendance at the Super Bowl of triathlon is essential for an age-grouper, showcasing remarkable human stamina.
Challenge Roth, located in Bavaria, is renowned as the world’s biggest triathlon and has been held every year since 1984. It is customary for 3,400 individuals and 650 teams from 75 nations to enter the competition.
But what makes Challenge Roth so otherworldly? Approximately a quarter of a million people annually gather to encourage professional and amateur athletes, filling every part of the swimming, running, and cycling route.
The competition commences with a one-lap, 2.4-mile swim through the Main Danube Canal, with spectators cheering from the sides of the canal and bridges.
This particular bike journey consists of two laps of 112 miles with a big uphill and downhill on each lap. The atmosphere is similar to the Tour de France, as there are lots of people, music and merriment at the multiple villages that line the course.
The race route of the marathon was changed for the 2018 edition to include a single circular loop with no hills, which sends competitors through the canals and the roads of Roth and Büchenbach ultimately to the Kona-rivaling climax at the finishing line.
At the end of the incredible day, an extravagant celebration near the finish line and an impressive firework display will take place when the last of the racers have completed the race.
Font Romeu is located 6,100 feet above sea level in the French Pyrenees and is growing in popularity as a training station for top athletes from many sports.
The National Altitude Training Centre is the perfect place for cyclists and runners, offering a wide selection of routes to explore, plus a 400-meter track, two swimming pools, and dormitory accommodation. (Cnea-fontromeu.com). It is achievable to access Roth within 24 hours by utilizing multiple trains.
7. St. Anthony’s Triathlon (FL)
Every year, the city of St. Petersburg, which lies on the seaside of Florida, holds an extended early race. We consider this race to be noteworthy as many of the other noteworthy events occur within the July – September period.
Competitors in the St. Anthony’s Olympic and Sprint will be swimming in Tampa Bay from Spa Beach while biking and running around Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The route is even and swift, with an average peak temperature of 82 degrees during this time of year, so it provides a great opportunity to compete in some balmy conditions before the warm season fully arrives within the U.S.
By 2023, this competitive event will be celebrating its fortieth anniversary and will be renowned amongst West Coast contests as one of the most enduring and established races around the nation.
This event is well-known for having a large and competitive group of participants year after year because it takes place very early in the season. You will observe a combination of celebrated professionals, top competitors in a specific age group, and recreational racers as everyone rushes to begin the new race season.
8. Capital of Texas Triathlon (TX)
Established in 1991 by members of the US Triathlon community who had contacts, this competition has been vigorous since its early beginnings. The Austin Capitol City Triathlon, more commonly known as CapTex Tri, is set in the wonderful Austin area. This is a triathlon in a city setting that features Austin’s stylish atmosphere.
We appreciate the urban atmosphere in each part of the race and that it happens on Memorial Day. This race stands out as one of the few major events in the nation that takes place on a day other than Saturday or Sunday.
This race, occurring yearly in Austin, has a considerable amount of participants of around 3,000 people. The race offers three different lengths – Olympic, Sprint, and Super Sprint – providing an option to engage all levels of athletes.
If you’re anxious about the scorching Texas warmth of the summertime, on Memorial Day the average temperature at the track in Austin is usually 70 degrees, which is refreshing.
9. Ironman 70.3 Hawai’i (HI)
We considered relocating from the mainland US for a while! Honu, or the Ironman 70.3 Hawai’i, is definitely not a challenge to take lightly!
The competition will be on Hawai’i Island, featuring a swim in the territory’s fantastic ocean, biking around the seashore, and a run crossing a spectacular golf course and residential area.
Once the event is concluded, there is no shortage of activities to occupy yourself with in Hawaii. It would be possible to have some refreshments on the shoreline, go exploring, or take a stroll around one of the spectacular nearby islands.
And, of course, Hawaii is not too hot! During the month of the competition, the average temperature typically feels mild at 80 degrees.
The water is a wonderful 75 degrees, too! Races are usually held in early June. The Ironman website provides particulars and exact dates for upcoming sporting events.
10. Oregon Dunes Triathlon (OR)
Take a gander at the Oregon Dunes Triathlon if you are an admirer of picturesque triathlons, as the Pacific Northwest shoreline is an exceptional area.
The June race is located near Dunes City, OR. It is located quite a distance from Eugene, requiring some effort to get to it, yet that makes it a unique event when you do arrive.
This organization has many available classes, like the Sprint, Olympic, and Duathlon, of which the latter two are the most favoured. Being the first outdoor swimming lesson in this area of the nation throughout the year makes it especially popular.
Be prepared for an arduous cycling experience, since the ground becomes increasingly undulating as you approach the sand dunes.
The running path will present a bit of difficulty due to the diversity of surfaces, such as asphalt, dirt paths, and beach sand. We wouldn’t really call it an off-road course, though.
The ground is suitable for walking quickly and you will be able to cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time. Be aware that the route is not just a straightforward road; there will probably be some winding dirt tracks and sandy trails.
We really appreciate this part of the world, and it’s a bonus that in the summertime, the likelihood of it being intensely hot here near the beach is not very high.
11. Escape from Alcatraz (CA)
The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco could be one of the most desired triathlons in the US outside of the Ironman. Athletes who do triathlons around the nation have been getting ready for a long time for the one-of-a-kind swimming and transitions that this Olympic-length contest has brought since 1981!
The race begins from Alcatraz Island, swimmers having to battle with the current and water temps of 55 degrees, making it compulsory for everyone to wear a wetsuit.
The bike trip starts from a certain place and then passes through the Presidio, continuing for 8 miles with the finish line being located underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. This is the must-do race if you dream of competing in one of the most amazing cities in the world, the New York City Tri.
The maximum capacity for the race is 2,000 people and admission is done through a challenging selection process. You might have to commit a few times before you get selected, yet once you have been chosen you will be prepared to participate in the competition. Race dates can be found on their website.
12. Door County Triathlon (WI)
In July, athletes come to Door County, close to Sturgeon Bay, WI, to participate in the longevity of the Door County Tri. We’re big fans of the Northwood races because they boast gorgeous landscapes, fresh air, and plentiful water sources.
The Door County race is held in Egg Harbor, along the shore of Lake Michigan, where swimming is carried out in Horseshoe Bay, an element of the greater body of water, Green Bay.
Riding a bicycle or running will bring you along a diverse landscape of lakeshore cliffs, forests, and agricultural land.
Door County is a calm area, yet the influx of urban holidaymakers throughout the summer season renders it a highly active atmosphere for this occasion. After the competition, take pleasure in the communities of Door County, a traditional fish boil, or a state park.
Door County is within a few hours driving distance from Milwaukee and Chicago. Events are happening in the middle of July and registration starts in the beginning of January.
