Top SIX triathlons for the seasoned competitor

A few weeks back we wrote an article on the best triathlons for beginners and in doing so, it was apparent to us how spoilt we are for incredible triathlon events in the UK. From the beautiful west Wales coastline to the epically rugged landscape of the Scottish highlands, we simply had to write another list of triathlons which will permanently leave their imprint in your mind. Whether it’s your first foray into long distance triathlon, competing in an event in front of your family, or taking on a battle against elements and your own consciousness, we couldn’t resist writing an article on triathlons that the seasoned athlete should consider in 2023.

9th July 2023

The Hever Castle Estate is rich in history; perhaps most notably, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home was there.

A fun-filled festival village will be open all weekend for competitors and spectators to enjoy, complete with live music, shopping, food, drinks, children’s activities, yoga, and more.

A multisport event weekend in Kent features triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim and run races for all ages and abilities. They have relays and mixed relays too!

If you’re keen get your kids involved, there is another option later on in the year. The Hever Castle September event is their biggest Junior event with a huge number of race distances for 9 – 16 years olds.

Image courtesy of Castle Race Series

30th July 2023

The Craft Snowman, the UK’s most difficult multi-terrain triathlon, was named Event of the Year in the Welsh Triathlon Awards (2021).

Often referred to as a ‘70.3’, ‘Middle Distance’ or ‘half Ironman’ distance, the Legend series Snowman Triathlon regularly gets called the toughest multi-terrain triathlon in the UK and delivers much more than just miles. They cover some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain that North Wales has to offer.

The Snowman Legend Triathlon is the second in the Adventure Championships series, and can be enjoyed on its own, or as part of the trio of North Wales Triathlons. Starting and finishing at the National Mountain Centre at Plas-y-Brenin, the race explores the stunning surroundings of Llynau Mymbyr lakes, the sweeping Snowdonia mountain roads and the awe-inspiring Ogwen Valley and Moel Siabod.

Image courtesy of Always Aim High events

21st May 2023

World class organisation, a super flat and fast bike course, a welcoming environment that supports everyone from elite athletes to nervous first timers, rree post race massage, free post race meal, free personal event photos and a family finish option, what’s not to like?

The start, swim, transition and much of the run (including the finish) are all conveniently located within the National Water Sports Centre, making it athlete and spectator friendly.

30th June-2nd July 2023

Want to try an Ironman distance event but not sure it’s for you? How about the Long course weekend where you can go the ‘full distance’ over 3 separate days? Amazing scenery, great crowds and an expo with over 50 stands come as standard, but the real beauty of this event is that you can individually select the distance of each discipline to best suit your strengths/weaknesses. The choice is yours. The event caters for athletes of all abilities, from pro athletes to you everyday athletes who just want to complete something incredible.

Image courtesy of Activity Wales Events Limited

Event date TBC

Situated within the mighty Cairngorms national park, The Starman, is the UK’s first Midnight middle distance triathlon. With a 1.2 mile swim in an ink black lake, 56 bike ride over almost deserted roads and a 14 mile run ascending the exposed mountain summit of Cairn Gorm, The Starman is not for the faint hearted.

To participate in the Starman, you must have experience of open water swimming navigation and off road running and experience of climbing hills of at least 760m in elevation. Although the event is viable to everyone, you really need to make sure you’re well trained, prepared and ready for the challenge!

June 18th 2023

The tenth edition of the CELTMAN! Extreme Scottish Triathlon, part of the XTRI World Tour, will take place on June 18th 2023 in Wester Ross, Scotland. Unsurprisingly, the 2023 event is already sold out, but if you’re looking for something very, very tough to get your teeth into next year then look no further then the CELTMAN!

Make no mistake – when they say the race is extreme, they mean it. You will have to endure cold water(and sometimes jellyfish), strong winds, driving rain and difficult conditions on the mountain with low visibility. The 200km bike ride and 42km run have 2200m and 1600m of ascending respectively. My legs are shaking at the thought of it but the chances are, if you’re reading this, then you are probably at the stage when coming out of your comfort zone is the next logical step.