3 Crazy Triathlon Destinations for Enthusiast Triathlonists

Triathlons are a great activity to challenge your body and mind while obtaining healthy benefits from it. Many runners have joined the world of triathlons seeking a self-challenge, such as enhancing their resistance. However, there´s a group of people that take challenges to the next level: ironmen.

For enthusiast ironmen, here are 3 of the fiercest triathlons to have on your traveling list.

Ironman Triathlon

This triathlon is known to be one of the most exigent triathlons. They are organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) and are composed by:

• An initial 2.4-mile obligatory swimming cycle, which must be completed in 2 hours 20 minutes.
• A subsequent 112-mile bicycle ride, which must be completed in 8 hours 10 minutes.
• The final marathon, which follows the 26.2-mile standard, must be completed in 6 hours 30 minutes.

There are no breaks during the triathlon, and the total limit time usually adds up to 17 hours (with time limits for each stage). Most Ironmen Triathlons start at 7:00 am and end at 12:10 am.

Norseman Triathlon

The Isklar Norseman Triathlon remains as one of the hardest physical challenges a human could face. This massacre takes place in Eidfjord, Norway, but its reputation goes around the whole globe. Athletes from everywhere around the world travel to test themselves against this mad triathlon, where they have to face:

• A 2.36-mile swimming cycle in the Hardangerfjord, the athletes are transported in ferry to the starting point. The temperature of the water during the race morning is around 14° C.
• A 112-mile bike trek through multiple roads across multiple national roads; the participants must reach transition zone 2 at Austbygde.
• A full-length marathon (26.1-mile) running from Austbygde to the very top of the Gaustatoppen. The running stage begins on a flat surface while elevating up to 6336ft.

The water temperatures are very cold and athletes may encounter heavy blizzards during the journey, as well as the local fauna that includes reindeers and porpoises. Anyone to surpass the Isklar Norseman Triathlon receives the title of "Norseman", as well as total recognition and respect from all their relatives.

The Isklar Norseman requires amazing feats of endurance and strength in order to complete it. Each event has its own name, which suits the triathlon and perfectly describes the experience; the last events were called "Crying in the Rain", "Bad to the Bone", and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".

Ironman Lanzarote Triathlon

The Lanzarote triathlon is located in the Spanish Canary Islands (Canarias, Spain) and is one of the most prestigious athletic events in the region. The race starts off at the most known tourist resort in the island in Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen. This event is organized each year by the Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote Organization, and the routes are alternated each year. The Spanish Ironman triathlon is composed by:

• The initial 2.37-mile swimming course, which takes off at Playa Grande and follows a two-lap cycle, with a small sand gap between the two cycles. Athletes must complete this stage in 2 hours and 20 minutes subsequently after starting, and wetsuits are mandatory.
• A 113.8-mile bike route which will be open to all traffic (the authorities regulate the circulation in general). The biking route has a reputation for getting the most out of athletes because of the strong winds, as well as a progressively elevating surface which reaches to over 8369ft.
• Last but not least, a three-lap marathon of official length (26.1 miles) takes place near Playa Honda. This cycle is the most beautiful of the triathlon, athletes can admire astonishing ocean views and the cheers from thousands of people. The route is flat throughout the whole stage, and open to the merciless Lanzarote sun.

The triathlon is continuous, meaning there are no breaks in between the cycles. Multiple aid stations are placed along the running route, where runners can hydrate and refresh briefly. It's not allowed to have personal refreshment bags, any items consumed must be strictly from the aid stations.

The water temperatures vary around 18° C thanks to the sunny beach environment. The temperatures of the overall climate fluctuate around 26° C during summer, with strong winds that reach 16.5mph speeds.