There are some pretty incredible triathlon races out there. Whether you’re looking for spectacular scenery, a next-level challenge, or a race day atmosphere that makes dragging yourself through miles of swim-bike-run feel like a party. But if you tried to do them all, you’d probably need to crack the time-space continuum… or develop super powers.
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of the best triathlon races in the world to add to your bucket list. From the legendary classics, to the new races on the scene that have caught our attention. It’s been a tough job to whittle it down, and there’s certainly plenty of other races that could easily have made the cut. But in our opinion, these are the ultimate triathlons to tick off so you can say you’ve been there and got the finisher shirt.
Challenge Roth
Location: Roth, Germany
Distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42km run
Why it makes the bucket list: Setting the stage for multiple world records over the years, Roth takes race day atmosphere to a whole other level
With 40 years of triathlon history, Roth has set the stage for multiple long distance world records. From those set by legends in the sport such as Paula Newby-Fraser, Chris McCormack, Chrissie Wellington and Jan Frodeno. To the most recent double-record breaking performances from Magnus Ditlev and Daniela Ryf in 2023.
Every year, thousands of triathlon fans line the streets of this small Bavarian town to cheer on PROs and age-groupers alike as they make their way through 140.6 km of swim-bike-run. Famous for the roaring crowds who’s energy will sweep you up solar hill, Roth is a race that’s on almost every long course triathlete’s bucket list. Entries usually sell out within seconds of going live, as triathletes the world over clamour to come and be a part of the Roth race day party.
IRONMAN Wales
Location: Wales, UK
Distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42.2km run
Why it makes the bucket list: A gruelling course off set by some of the most epic crowds as the streets of the (usually quiet) town of Tenby sprawl with triathlon fans has plenty of triathletes desperate to go and ‘slay the dragon’.
IRONMAN Wales has earned itself a legendary status. Every year, the usually small and sleepy town of Tenby comes alive with thousands of triathletes and spectators. The course is incredibly tough, and the notoriously changeable weather conditions can make it even tougher. But the deafening roar of the crowds as every single person in town lines the streets of the marathon course makes it worth it. Slay the dragon once, get bragging rights forever.
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
Location: Eidfjord, Norway
Distances: 3.8km swim / 180 km bike / 42km run
Why it makes the bucket list: Norseman is a true endurance sport adventure, that will push you to your limits.
Given the Norseman’s main tag line is: “this is not for you”, you might wonder why every year thousands of triathletes clamour to get one of just a couple of hundred places to take part. But with its icy cold plunge from the back of a ferry, the Norseman has earned itself a legendary status in the triathlon world.
Set against the striking backdrop of Norway’s Fjordland, after a bone chilling swim athletes tackle a quad busting amount of climbing on the bike before finishing with a gruelling mountain top run. And it’s only a select few who even get the opportunity to attempt to clamber all the way to the finish line.
Over the years Norseman has attracted some of the best names in ‘mainstream’ triathlon, including 2 x Kona champion Tim DeBoom, multiple Iron-distance winner Lucy Gossage. And most recently Sebastien Kienle, who in the build up said: “I definitely am a little scared of the race, I think even the best athletes in the world look at this and say, ‘this is a little crazy’. For me it is the ultimate challenge…”
The Norseman is part triathlon, part reckoning. The ultimate adventure to find out what you’re made of. And for those that can take on the Norseman and defeat it? They’ll probably feel like they can take on the world. If daring to take on one of the world’s toughest triathlons gets your pulse racing, the Norseman should sit firmly on your triathlon bucket list.
Challenge St Pölten
Location: St Pölten, Austria
Distances: 1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21km run
Why it makes the bucket list: Unique two-lake swim course and UNESCO World Heritage listed scenery makes this one of the most beautiful middle distance races going.
Challenge St. Pölten is one of Europe’s oldest middle distance triathlons, with 20 years of history. But it makes the bucket list for its uniquely beautiful race course.
You’ll start your day with a swim in not one – but two – crystal clear lakes, with a short 200m run across the bridge of the Traisen river connecting the two. The scenery only gets better, as the bike course takes you through winding vineyards and the UNESCO World Heritage Center Wachau – a stretch of the Danube valley often referred to as one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe.
Escape from Alcatraz
Location: San Francisco, USA
Distances: 1.5 mile swim / 0.5 mile ‘warm up’ run / 18 mile bike / 8 mile run
Why it makes the bucket list: a gruelling challenge that’ll earn you some serious kudos with fellow triathletes.
While the distances might not sound that taxing. Escape from Alcatraz – as you might guess from its jail break-inspired name – is notoriously tough. Athletes start their day by plunging off the back of a passenger ferry into 55 degree Fahrenheit (just under 13 degree Celsius) waters, before battling against extremely strong currents to try and make their way back to shore.
The reward? A half mile ‘warm up’ run before they have to mount their bikes and take on a brutally hilly bike course. Last on the agenda is an 8 mile, multi terrain run. Leg-sapping sections along the beach are backed up by the infamous ‘sand ladder’ cliff steps.
That might all sound pretty horrendous. But by virtue of being one of triathlon’s toughest races, Escape from Alcatraz has earned itself a spot on many-a triathlete’s bucket list. So much so that amateur athletes have to enter a lottery draw to have a hope of getting a spot.
And now that Alcatraz is a stop on the T100 World Tour, those making their Escape can expect to see some seriously cool PRO racing action – as well as earning themselves some serious kudos for taking on this next-level test of toughness.
Alpe d’Huez Triathlon
Location: Bourg d’Oisans, France
Distances (long distance race): 2.2km swim / 118km bike / 20km run
Why it makes the bucket list: Test your limits as you scale the famous 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez
Continuing on with the extreme triathlon theme – because triathletes are, if nothing else, a glutton for self-punishment. Alpe d’Huez triathlon is one of the most iconic races in Europe. Mainly thanks to the opportunity to ride up the famous 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez – and prove you’re made of tougher stuff by celebrating with challengingly hilly mixed terrain run. Add in the altitude, and this is a seriously challenging race.
The difficulty is only outweighed by the spectacular beauty. With the race starting in the heart of the Alps, you can expect plenty of amazing scenery to distract you from quite how much your legs are burning.
Noosa Triathlon
Location: Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Distances: 1.5km swim / 40km bike / 10km run
Why it makes the bucket list: A trip to Australia’s sunshine coast to experience the atmosphere at the world’s biggest Olympic triathlon.
Taking place on the sunshine coast of Australia, Noosa Triathlon has boomed in popularity since its inception in 1983 and now holds claim to the title of the world’s biggest Olympic distance triathlon.
The obvious draw is the sun, sea and beach vibes. But what makes Noosa so special is the festival of triathlon atmosphere which sees tens of thousands of spectators turn out in support. It’s no surprise that it’s an event consistently ranked in the global top 10 by triathletes. It’s a favourite with some of the world’s best PROs as well. Aussie star Ashleigh Gentle has taken the win every year since 2014, meanwhile Olympic hopeful Hayden Wilde took the win in 2023 and set a new course record while he was at it.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas
Location: Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Distances: Middle and long distance racing available
Why it makes the bucket list: Desert island complete with roaming wildlife and a specially chartered cruise ships. This might be the WILDEST race in triathlon.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas brings long distance triathlon to the UAE for the very first time. And that’s the LEAST exciting thing about this race. Because not only do participants get to arrive by a specially chartered cruise ship (complete with a running track and a swimming pool). They also get to race on a desert island which is home to an extensive nature reserve, where wildlife including cheetahs and giraffes run free. Triathlon meets safari meets luxury cruise – it doesn’t get better than this!
IRONMAN Lanzarote
Location: Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42km run
Why it makes the bucket list: Ticking off one of the hardest IRONMAN-branded races on the circuit says “I mean business.”
![Lydia Dant wins IRONMAN Lanzarote 2023 [Photo credit: James Mitchell / Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote]](https://www.tri247.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lydia-Dant-wins-IRONMAN-Lanzarote-2023.jpg)
Lanzarote has become the ultimate training ground for triathletes. With punchy climbs, punishing wind and heat to contend with, it’s become the training camp destination of choice for PROs and age-groupers alike, looking to toughen up ready for race season.
It’s also the home to one of the longest-standing IRONMAN races in Europe, and it’s become an iconic feature in the race calendar with its lava fields and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. A brutally hilly bike course is made even tougher by the notorious cross winds. If Kona is your ultimate ambition – a finish at Lanzarote is the ultimate way to prepare. And the fun doesn’t stop on the run, with twists, turns and elevation to tackle as the sun beats down. But, as you take on this incredibly challenging M Dot race, you’ll have the support of the crowds who famously come out in droves to line the course.
A Lanzarote finisher shirt really does say: “I mean business.”
Helvellyn Triathlon
Location: Lake District, UK
Distances: 1.5km swim / 59km bike / 15km run
Why it makes the bucket list: the UK’s toughest – and probably most scenic – triathlon, taking in the spectacular views and the spectacularly gruelling climbs of the Lake District.
Taking place in the UK’s stunningly beautiful Lake District, Helvellyn Triathlon is a race which sits at the top of many triathletes’ bucket list. Starting with a swim in Ullswater, athletes will then go up against the infamous ‘Struggle’ climb on the bike and finish with a run up and down Helvellyn mountain. It’s a race that has attracted some of the top PROs over the years, including Joe Skipper, Nikki Bartlett, Lucy Gossage, recent Miami T100 champion India Lee, and Alistair Brownlee.
In fact, Brownlee has history with Helvellyn having won the race as a junior in 2007 – returning to take the win against as one of the world’s greatest elites in 2020. And now The Brownlee Foundation has taken over the race, competitors can participate knowing that any profit from the events will be used by the Foundation to help youngsters get into the triathlon.
An epic challenge with incredible scenery and backed by a good cause makes Helvellyn Triathlon a definite bucket list race.
None of those capturing your imagination? You can check out our Let’s Race… guides to start working on your own triathlon bucket list.
