Endurance sports are on the rise. Every year, more and more people sign up for some of the biggest and toughest endurance sports races around the world. However, there is one category of endurance sports which has exceptionally been popular recently. That is the triathlon. Three sports i.e. swimming, running and cycling done back-to-back take your physical endurance to the extremes and they force you to exert your body in many ways. From exhaustion to fainting, there are a lot of health concerns, which is why these events are not for the faint of heart. Here are some of the major triathlon events from around the world.
Escape from Alcatraz
Escape from Alcatraz is perhaps the most iconic triathlon event in America and the world. Hundreds of triathletes from around the world participate every year. The race starts when athletes jump into the water from a ferry, and swim 1.5 miles to the shore. This is immediately followed by 18 miles of cycling. The athletes finish by running another 8 miles to the finishing line at Marina Green. The race is particularly grueling because the water is choppy and big waves make swimming very difficult. The cycling track takes athletes up and down hills, and there are areas where the athletes have to run in sand. All-in-all, there are few other races which test your endurance and stamina better than this race.
Challenge Roth
Here is a triathlon that should definitely be on your bucket-list. One of the reasons is that the Roth course is believed by many to be the fastest iron-distance course. There is a 2.4-mile swim in the Main-Donau Canal, and a 112-mile bike ride. The last phase comprises of a 26.2-mile run. All three phases are particularly lengthy and tough. A lot of athletes give up once they finish the swim! However, a characteristic of this triathlon is that the courses are fast and they are flat. Though the distances are long, they are easy to cover at a steady pace. It is not a race to sign up for if you have any health concerns.
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
If you want a triathlon that also takes you through some beautiful valleys and lets you enjoy a beautiful weather, then this triathlon is the best choice. The Norwegian track comprises of a 3.8-kilometer swim, followed by a 180 kilometers bike track. Finally, athletes run another 42.2 kilometers out of which, the final 17 kilometers are on a steady grueling climb. This race is particularly difficult because of the steady climb and also because the athletes also need to make arrangements for their own support groups. But all things considered, it is one of the most spectacular races in the world.
Wildflower
Here is another American triathlon, and it is one of the longest-running triathlons in the world. Though it is not as long as the other triathlons on this list, the terrain and the tracks add to the challenge. More importantly, this triathlon has the vibe of a festival rather than a triathlon, and that is why it always attracts a large number of athletes. There is a 1.5-mile swim, followed buy a 56-mile bike ride and then a 13.1-mile run. All in all, it is a great test for your stamina, and you should definitely not miss this triathlon.
Ironman Lake Tahoe
Here is a triathlon held amidst a breathtaking scenery but in cold weather. This event has a cult following and if you are a committed triathlete, then there is absolutely no reason why you should miss this event. There is a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 21-mile run. All-in-all, this race is a great challenge for experienced triathletes. Add to that, the fact that it takes place at an altitude of 6000 feet! It is truly a challenge for the best athletes.
Ironman Lanzarote
Here is a race that takes place in a warm climate in a sunny country. The Lanzarote triathlon takes place in the Canary Islands. There is a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike leg and a 26.2-mile run. The swim is in relatively calm sea water, but both the bike leg and run take you across hills, from steep ascends to grueling descents.
How to Endure 