Written by
Liz Barrett is a triathlon writer who's reported live from almost every major triathlon across the globe. From long distance World Championships to the London and Paris Olympics, and everything in between. Get her expert insights on everything you need to know about Challenge Florianopolis, and why this stunning Brazilian middle distance triathlon needs to go on your bucket list.
Get ready to smash your personal best in one of the world’s most beautiful race destinations – Florianopolis, Brazil.
Challenge Florianopolis is the ultimate race-cation thanks to its breath-taking scenery, a wealth of outdoor activities, and the delicious cuisine.
Alongside the main middle-distance event, triathletes also have the option of signing up for a sprint-distance. There’s also a junior challenge if you’re travelling with multi-sporting maestros in the making.
The opportunities for friends and family to spectate and enjoy the action are second-to-none, making this a fantastic option for a race/holiday combo. In short, good luck trying to book this one for yourself!
Location - Beauty and beaches
Florianópolis is the capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina on the south coastline of the country. The city, also known as the Ilha da Magia (Magic Island), is renowned for its natural beauty and a coastline dotted with exquisite beaches – about 100 in total.
So it’s hardly surprising that it’s one of Brazil’s most popular destinations for overseas travellers.
Why race... Challenge Florianopolis
Paradise-like location with an abundance of beaches and natural beauty. A PB-worthy race course to help you reach new speeds. And of course, the opportunity to qualify for Challenge The Championship. There’s plenty of reasons to add Challenge Florianopolis to your early season race calendar, but here’s our top three.
Course - Speedy and scenic
Get ready to smash some middle-distance PBs, as the Florianopolis course is pancake flat. But don’t go too hell for leather, as, well for one you won’t want to overcook it for the run. But also, you really don’t want to miss the stunning scenery!
Swim - 1.9km
The one-lap swim sets off at sunrise from Jurerê Internacional beach with a mass start in calm waters. There’s just a single transition zone to make pre-race planning logistically easier.
BIke - 90km
The one-lap bike leg is predominantly flat and fast and takes athletes along the coastline before entering the busy tourist areas of Florianópolis.
Run - 21.1km
Again it’s just a one-lap run to conclude the race, and again it’s flat along the Beira-Mar Norte coastline before you reach the finish line for a traditional Brazilian welcome filled with music and entertainment.
Race training & prep
The Challenge Florianopolis course offers up a fast, flat course – primed with personal best potential, so a focus on pacing in training is essential. And as it’s a sea swim – albeit a calm one – some prior sea-swimming practice is a must.
While average air temperatures aren’t too toasty in early April in Brazil they might be considerably warmer than where you’re based, so acclimating to warm conditions will only aid your performance. With that in mind, also consider your fluid and fuel consumption.
If you’re able to arrive several days before the race then you can of course train on the course – you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to local beaches for swimming, coastal roads for cycling, and the Beira-Mar Norte promenade for running.
Travel & accommodation
Florianopolis airport is well connected with direct flights from Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Panama. There are also regular domestic flights from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro that take approximately one hour. As a popular tourist destination, Florianopolis has plenty of choice when it comes to where to stay. From casual beach front family-friendly hotels, to luxury boutique accommodation. Jurerê Internacional is the centre of all the race day action so it’s worth searching for a hotel close by to make race weekend as relaxed as possible.
Once in the city, the best way for athletes to get around is via public buses and taxis. Keep an eye on the official website for any event-specific transport arrangements.
Details on race-day shuttles to, and parking at, Jurerê Internacional beach will also be provided closer to the event date.
Spectators - How to be part of the action
The course in Florianopolis is ideal for spectators, making this a great destination for all the family. The best viewing spots for the swim is along Jurerê Internacional beach near the swim start; for the bike there will be key intersections and designated spectator zones along the course; and for the run there will be areas near the transition zone and along the Beira-Mar Norte promenade for friends and family to gather.
If you’re travelling with children, there’s a Junior Challenge and a sprint-distance triathlon to keep them entertained.
Race-cation - An adventure for all the family
If competing in a middle-distance triathlon isn’t enough for you, then there are plenty of other adventure sports on offer during your stay in Brazil. From hiking and trails to kitesurfing and canoeing, Florianopolis is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities.
While you’re there, make time to visit Lagoa da Conceição, a beautiful lagoon offering water sports and dining options.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa is also not to be missed – a historic bohemian neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and seafood restaurants. And another highlight of the island is Ponte Hercílio Luz – an iconic suspension bridge and symbol of the city.
Even though you’ll have raced off Jurerê Internacional beach, be sure to visit it again for a day of rest and relaxation on one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sand. If staying still isn’t your thing, then why not see how many of Florianopolis’s 100 beaches you can tick off before your flight home?!
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