The UK’s best iron-distance triathlons
In the UK we are lucky to have a whole host of races to choose from. Here we share some of the best iron-distance triathlons in the UK
Hoping to step up a distance or determined to beat your PB from the last full-distance triathlon you tackled? Here, we take a look at some of the best Ironman-distance triathlons you can tackle in the UK.
In years gone by, this list has been longer, but a number of events have ceased to exist in recent years. That said, there are still plenty for you to choose from, including these…
But first, if you need a recap on what an Ironman or full-distance triathlon entails, see our guide to the different triathlon distances.
The Midnight Man
Where: Dartford, Kent, England
When: August
If battling 226km isn’t hard enough, the Midnight Man organisers throw a night event at you. Here’s how to race in the dark of Dartford by a man who’s been there and got the t-shirt, Dave Clamp.
Pre-race
Take kit for all temperatures: it can be hot in the evening, but that can change by 3am and you’ll feel it if you’re down to walking pace on the run.
Doing the marathon at night can be pleasant, though, compared to suffering in the heat at many summer daytime Ironman races.
For the race, it’s worth practising nutrition for the later start time and doing some sessions where you swim at 6pm, then go for a 3-4hr bike to acclimatise to cycling as it changes from day to night.
The swim
One factor is that you’ll be swimming when the sun is getting low, so sighting is difficult. Walk round the lake’s edge to spot landmarks to aid direction, as the early evening glare can make the buoys difficult to spot.
Also make sure your crew take plenty of insect repellent; they’ll be sitting at dusk and dawn near still water. My daughter was so badly bitten that she was off work afterwards!
The bike
Cycling in the dark feels quite strange because you have the sensation of moving faster than you really are. So use a powerful front lamp and make sure that it’s very firmly fastened on; there are a few speed bumps on the course and mine came flying off a few times.
There were a lot of punctures when I did it, so be prepared physically and mentally for that, and practise changing punctures before the race.
The run
Like the bike, the marathon run course is fairly flat so fast times can be recorded here. But be prepared for bigger potential changes in temperature than on a normal daytime Ironman. You can get quite cold in the night, especially if you start walking.
We named the Midnight Man the 9th best Iron-distance tri for beginners in Europe.
The Outlaw
Where: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, England
When: July
We named this event the most beginner friendly ironman-distance triathlon in Europe, despite the often not so friendly weather. Here’s previous finisher Jason Scott with some essential advice for your Nottinghamshire crusade…
Pre-race
I chose The Outlaw because I’d heard good things and it’s known for being considerably flatter than Ironman UK (which is not currently in operation). I’d say if you’re not signed up for an M-Dot event then this is the next (or arguably should be first) on your list of must-do long-distance races.
Myself and a friend camped on site, only 200m from transition. They also offer luxury wooden pods to stay in, which I’d recommend for extra comfort. Registration is a breeze the day before, and set-up is quick and no hassle.
The swim
The Outlaw swim is a proper Iron start. None of this small pens of starters at a time; it’s a mass underwater wrestle! If you’ve positioned yourself correctly according to your predicted time, though, you should be fine; it soon thins out. It’s one large lap, which is right to the end of the rowing lake and back again.
If it’s a sunny early morning, sighting on the swim can be quite difficult as the sun is low.Unless you’re flying at the front, just do as I did and follow the few hundred people in front of you!
The transition area is great, slick and easy to get through, and there are lots of great viewing spots around the lake for family and friends to cheer you on.
The bike
The bike course is a flat-ish 180km. It’s more rolling tarmac than anything else and a good average speed can be met quite easily.
You get some nice views of the Nottinghamshire countryside, and the course is three laps (laps one and three are the same), making it easy to mentally divide up.
The run
The run is a flat and well-supported route, which starts off with a lap of the lake and then continues along the River Trent. This is done twice before a final loop of the lake to finish off.
Walking through the aid stations helped me immensely, and my general Iron race tip would be to never stop completely and keep walking through.
There are plenty of feed points en route so plenty of chances to recharge your batteries. The great marshals are particularly appreciated towards the end of the run course when, although you’ve had a long day, theirs has probably been even longer!
The Brutal
Where: Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales
When: September
With its huge amount of climbing and 16:50hr median finish time, we named The Brutal the 2nd toughest Ironman-distance triathlon in the world. But fear ye not Brutal entrants, here are the winning tips for Snowdonia success from previous winner David Chapman…
Pre-race
This is one tough race. Snowdonia will probably involve a fair drive to get to, so get this done sooner rather than later. Racking your bike the night before can help reduce grief on race day, or turn up early to secure a place in the small car park right by transition. Book somewhere to stay in Llanberis itself, that way you’re never too far from the race headquarters.
The swim
Llyn (lake) Padarn is famously cold. A neoprene cap really helps with warmth, and you can even use neoprene socks and gloves.
We’ve kicked off with a hard frost on the ground in the past but, even if it’s warmer, a decent run between swim exit and transition means it’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of run shoes.
Have a short warm-up before the deep-water start. It’s four triangle laps with an exit and re-entry after two, so don’t rush this too much.
The bike
The bike exits onto a fairly busy road. It’s brilliantly marshalled but stay alert. There’s a pedestrian crossing soon after, if you get a red relax and take in some calories. The 45km loop starts with the only flat section before tackling the first of many small climbs. The first real test is a short, steep climb after a left turn. Beware of clawing back time on the descent here; it’s on the narrow side, there are speed bumps and a sharp left at the bottom.
The other significant climb at 32km is 7km long but shallower, culminating in Pen-y-Pass. Again resist going flat out on the descent; stones, sheep, walkers and vehicles in the middle of the road are real dangers. When you start to struggle (and you will!) the stunning scenery can help ease the pain.
The run
The tame surfaces lull you into a false sense of security early on the run. At the end of Lake Padarn the road turns uphill and stays that way for 2km. Going too hard here’s a mistake. It’s then almost all downhill to the aid station. This contains some tricky rolling trails, tree roots and loose rocks.
Once the three laps are complete, medics check you/your backpack and you head up Wales’ tallest mountain. Before long, the tarmac kicks up at an horrendous angle.
This first Snowdon section is the hardest and, unless you’ve mountain running pedigree, power walking is your best bet.
Make sure you check-in with the medic before the summit and cautiously enjoy the return. All but the fastest few will finish in the dark, so a powerful head torch is strongly recommended.
Ironman Wales
Where: Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
When: September
With bumper support and plenty of beauty, Ironman Wales is a classic on the Ironman circuit. But facing down IM Wales ain’t for the faint-hearted and we rated it the 9th toughest Iron in the world. Here are your ultimate tips from finisher and tri coach Mark Kleanthous.
Pre-race
In Tenby you have a 1km walk from transition to the swim start. If it’s cold and wet, wear your wetsuit to the start, otherwise put it on when you arrive. Allow enough time to get to the start and place your shoes and a drink in your allotted number spot on the zigzag stairs for the run to T1.
The swim
This is a scenic two-loop triangular swim. Keep left at the start to keep you out of the congestion during the rest of the swim. Use the giant rock that juts out in the bay, the lifeboat house, moored boats and the colourful houses overlooking the skyline to navigate.
But be careful running in soft sand after the first loop. Jog instead of running as you still have plenty of running to come. Remove your wetsuit after exiting the swim before the long 1km stretch to T1.
The bike
Hold back for the first 30mins of the bike and start hydrating after 5-10mins with water, and then start your nutrition plan. I’d use a road over a TT bike to combat the 18-22% steep hills.
The steepness of the climbs makes Tenby one of the hardest 180km courses, which requires you to have suitable gears to spin up and save your strength for the marathon. I’d recommend those wanting to complete the ride to use a 34/28t chainset. Those with sub 6:45hr ambitions go for a 34/26t or 42/32t.
There are a few technical sections, especially ‘Heartbreak Hill’ at Saundersfoot. Drive this section before and mentally plan how you’ll tackle it in both the dry and wet. Don’t get sucked in by the crowds; hold back and ride within your ability.
The run
The run course is demanding with the first 3km going straight uphill, which you have to complete four times. Because the hills are short and steep or long, the 42.2km demands that you keep mental control to hold back.
The downhills require you to relax and keep your shoulders loose to reduce impact. Far too many triathletes, including experienced Ironman competitors, push too hard on the early hills and are forced to slow up.
Success is only achieved by maintaining a constant effort. I’d wear a supportive run shoe to give you protection for the descents and cobbled parts.
We named Ironman Wales the 9th toughest Iron-distance triathlon in the world
The Northumbrian
Where: Kielder Forest, Northumbria, England
When: June
With a limited number of full-distance events now available in the UK, it’s nice to see new races coming into being, which is what happened a few years ago with the Northumbrian.
This is no easy feat (what full-distance race is?), with 3,606m of elevation across the two on-land legs and the run taking place on forest trails.
But the good news is that the course is stunning, with incredibly rugged views on hand to distract you as your legs ache and your lungs scream.
The bike leg also sees you go from England into Scotland, giving you the fun novelty of racing in two countries during one event.
IronBourne Long Distance Triathlon
Where: Eastbourne
When: July
If you’re living in the south or south-east of England, here’s the long-distance triathlon for you. IronBourne takes place in Eastbourne and begins with a jump off the pier into the sea for the start of the swim leg.
The course is beginner-friendly and is also a fine option for anyone looking to break PBs. The bike leg is mostly undulating without any major climbs, but there are two ascents toward the end as you Friston and Beachy Head.
The run route is described as ‘fast and flat’ by the organisers, which will be music to the ears of many athletes.
220 Triathlon Team
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