Iconic Races and Triathlon Culture

Thousands of spectators pack the climb, leaving a narrow corridor like a Tour de France mountain.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Athletes swim in the canal near Hilpoltstein.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Roth draws a very large crowd, often reported at over 200,000.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Demand far outstrips supply, and places go almost as soon as registration opens.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

The last finishers are celebrated with a party and fireworks in the finish stadium.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

The race is known as DATEV Challenge Roth.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

The swim and first transition are near Hilpoltstein.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Local villages hold parties along the course, creating a festival atmosphere.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Hundreds of relay teams split the swim, bike and run.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Flat water and a fast course have produced several world-best times.

Source: Challenge Roth, About the race (challenge-roth.com) · recall

Norseman runs across southern Norway.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

The first Norseman took place in 2003.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Competitors leap from a ferry into the Hardangerfjord at Eidfjord.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

The top finishers climb to the 1,883 m summit of Gaustatoppen; the first 160 athletes to reach the 37 km checkpoint earn the mountain finish.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Only the first 160 or so athletes to reach a cut-off point may climb to the summit and earn the black shirt.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Those not allowed onto the mountain finish at Gaustablikk and receive a white shirt.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Athletes rely on their own crew for food, drink and clothing.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

For safety, a crew member walks with the athlete on the mountain section.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

The long, steep climb breaks many athletes into walking.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

A small field of a few hundred is chosen by lottery for safety and logistics.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Athletes leap from a boat off Alcatraz and swim to the San Francisco shore.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

The race has run since 1981.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

The cold waters of San Francisco Bay and tidal flows challenge swimmers.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

Runners climb hundreds of steps up from Baker Beach.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

The prison's location in cold, fast water was thought to make escape by swimming near impossible.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

The swim crosses part of San Francisco Bay.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

Aiming at landmarks while the current sweeps them sideways is key.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

The run combines trails, stairs and beach sand.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

Swimmers aim well to one side to allow for the tide carrying them.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

It is an iconic race for pros and amateurs alike.

Source: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, History (escapealcatraztri.com) · recall

Swissman crosses Alpine passes and finishes at Kleine Scheidegg.

Source: Swissman Xtreme Triathlon, About (swissmanxtreme.ch) · recall

Celtman runs in the Torridon area of the Scottish Highlands.

Source: Celtman, About (celtmanxtreme.com) · recall

Athletes run from Marble Arch to Dover, swim the Channel and ride to the Arc de Triomphe.

Source: Enduroman, Arch to Arc (enduroman.com) · recall

Races such as Norseman, Celtman and Swissman share a demanding, wild-terrain format.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

The long-course event climbs the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez.

Source: Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, About (alpetriathlon.com) · recall

Its festival atmosphere and camping culture earned the nickname.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Wildflower has been held at Lake San Antonio since the 1980s.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Crews provide food, clothing and safety in wild terrain.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Mountain finishes and cold fjord or loch swims add difficulty.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Narrow roads, mountain paths and rescue cover restrict field size.

Source: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, About (nxtri.com) · recall

Athletes and fans jog through town in underwear to raise money and poke fun at Speedo culture.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Athletes gather there for training swims, watched by crowds, hence the name.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

The Ho'ala training swim lets athletes try the course in race week.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Observers count bikes, wheels and components each year to track equipment trends.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

A cannon blast has signalled the start in Kailua Bay.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

The final hour is one of the loudest and most emotional parts of the day.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Volunteers meet each finisher, steadying and guiding them after the line.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

The race opens with Hawaiian traditions recognising its host community.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

The junction near Palani Road and Kuakini Highway is a favourite viewing spot.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Limited slots and history make a Kona start a prized achievement.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Clubs organise swims, rides and runs with coaching and social support.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Riding with others teaches bike handling and brings athletes together.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Brick sessions practise running on tired legs from the bike.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Coached adult swim squads are a common way triathletes learn to swim well.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Volunteering is a big part of the community, and races depend on it.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Family and friends carry bags, drive and cheer on race day.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

A sprint distance is a manageable first step into the sport.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Age-groupers are amateur athletes ranked within age bands.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Multiple weekly sessions, gear and events make it central to many athletes' lives.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Equipment, travel and entry costs, plus training hours, can make it exclusive.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

FOP, MOP and BOP describe front, middle and back of the pack.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

The sudden fatigue of glycogen depletion is known as bonking or hitting the wall.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Mass starts create a chaotic tangle of arms and legs.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

The M with a dot above it is the IRONMAN logo; many finishers tattoo it.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

DNF marks an athlete who started but did not complete the race.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

A DQ is a disqualification for a rules breach.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Slots are allocated at qualifying races by age group.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

The term pokes fun at triathletes' love of data and gear.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

IM is common shorthand for an IRONMAN race.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Getting low on the aero bars to cut drag.

Source: Tinley, Triathlon: A Personal History (2008) · recall

Near collapse in the heat, Jonny was carried by Alistair across the line, finishing second.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

South Africa's Henri Schoeman won the race; Mario Mola took the world title.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

With pacers and no racing rules, he finished in 6:44:25 at the Lausitzring.

Source: Sub7Sub8 project results (2022) · recall

Rotating pacers and support made it an exhibition, not a sanctioned race.

Source: Sub7Sub8 project results (2022) · recall

He swam in a counter-current pool, rode a trainer and ran on a treadmill, raising money for charity.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

WTC suspended him once the US Anti-Doping Agency brought its case.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Flora Duffy's win was historic for the island.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Sodaro won on her Kona debut about 18 months after giving birth.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Laidlow won at 24.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Supporters praised equal focus for women; critics missed a single Kona race.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Ultraman covers 10 km swimming, 421 km cycling and 84 km running over three days.

Source: Ultraman World Championships, About (ultramanlive.com) · recall

The first Ultraman took place in 1983.

Source: Ultraman World Championships, About (ultramanlive.com) · recall

Deca events cover ten times the iron distance, continuously or one a day.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

In the continuous format athletes choose when to rest; in the daily format each day is a full race.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

IUTA sanctions multi-iron-distance events.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

He completed 50 full-distance efforts in 50 days across the 50 states.

Source: Iron Cowboy, About (ironcowboy.com) · recall

His "Conquer 100" project extended the challenge to 100 days.

Source: Iron Cowboy, About (ironcowboy.com) · recall

A double covers 7.6 km swim, 360 km bike and 84.4 km run.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

Laps let organisers feed, monitor and assist athletes around the clock.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

Managing sleep, food intake and injury matters more than speed.

Source: International Ultra Triathlon Association, About (iutasport.com) · recall

For decades the whole field started together at the cannon.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Athletes cross a mat in small groups; each chip time starts individually.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Spreading athletes out lowers congestion and anxiety in the water.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Waves split the field into timed groups.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Beach starts involve running into the water; deep-water starts begin afloat.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Pontoon starts give each athlete a spot along the line.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Athletes choose positions in ranking order.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

Images of the Kona mass start became iconic.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall

Individual starts, often a few seconds apart, spread the field out completely.

Source: World Triathlon, History of the sport (triathlon.org) · recall

With staggered starts, athletes must use chip times, not finishing order, to know who is ahead.

Source: IRONMAN, History of the IRONMAN World Championship (ironman.com) · recall