Running a marathon too easy? If you're up for a challenge, these are the best Ironman events to enter this year
If you've already run all six world majors and running a marathon no longer feels like much of a challenge, then why not add an open water swim and cycle ride into the mix?
Consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride, and then finishing with a marathon – a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run – an Ironman is considered one of, if not the most, challenging endurance events in the world.
What is an Ironman?
The name 'Ironman' was first used for the race held in Hawaii in 1978. Since the 70s, the Ironman brand has expanded and evolved, and now there are hundreds of races across the Globe to choose from. There are, of course, other races that consist of the same distances as in an Ironman triathlon, but they are not produced, owned, or licensed by the World Triathlon Corporation – such as Challenge Roth and the Norseman Triathlon - and therefore have other names.
How long does an Ironman take?
The time it takes to complete an Ironman race really depends on how fit you are, how much time you dedicate to training, and how difficult the course is (a flat course will of course be quicker than a hilly one). There is, however, a time limit or cut off. Again, this depends on the specific race you enter, but it is usually around the 17-hour mark.
The very best professional Ironman athletes complete the race in just under 8 hours (Gustav Iden, for example, won the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kona in a time of 7:40:24), while the average time for an amateur athlete to complete an Ironman race is around the 12 to 14 hour mark.
But – real talk – most athletes who decide to enter, train for and complete an Ironman do so with the sole focus of finishing, rather than focusing on a specific time or on setting a PB. It's less about how long it takes you to cross the finish line, and more about actually making it to the famous red carpet and hearing 'You are an Ironman' booming on the tannoy.
So if you've already completed an Olympic distance triathlon and challenged your endurance at a middle-distance triathlon, then there's really only one more distance to tick off: The Ironman.
Tempted to really challenge your endurance? Here are some of the best Ironman triathlons to enter – in Europe – this year...
Best Ironman triathlons to enter in 2023
Best Ironman for a first-timer
Ironman Kalmar
Swim: Ocean. Bike: Flat. Run: Flat
This is a fast and flat course – take it from Alistair Brownlee who holds the course record, in an impressive 7:38:48 – which also marked a British record and the first time a British man has gone below sub 7.40.
This friendly course, set in Kalmar – a beautiful Swedish city with seaside charm – always sees a significant number of athletes debuting at the distance. In 2018 and 2019 almost half of the field comprised of athletes choosing it as their first-ever Ironman (44% and 41% respectively). And who can blame them? With the locals bringing their A-game in the cheering department, the incredible Scandinavian landscape – including crossing the iconic 6km-long bridge to the island of Öland – and one of Europe's biggest finish-line parties, there are lots of reasons to choose this event as your first.
Where: Kalmar, Sweden
When: Sunday 19th August 2023
Cost: 6727 SEK [approx £525]
Best Ironman to test your fitness
Ironman Nice
Swim: Ocean. Bike: Hilly. Run: Rolling
With Nice having recently been announced as the co-host of the 2023 VinFast Ironman World Championship event, this year’s Ironman Nice will surely attract only the very best athletes, looking to familiarise themselves with the course before racing against some of the top age groupers and professional athletes in September.
The bike course is, arguably, one of the most challenging – thanks to its elevation gain of 2,400m. Athletes have to make their way through the hinterland of Nice and through the beautiful villages of the Parc Naturel des PréAlpes d’Azur - so it is a serious test of your technical biking abilities.
Where: Nice, France
When: Sunday 25th June 2023
Cost: 630 EUR [approx £550]
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Best Ironman for travelling afterwards
Ironman Barcelona
Swim: Ocean. Bike: Flat. Run: Flat
The village of Calella of the Barcelona-Maresme region, on Spain’s eastern coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, hosts one of the most popular end-of-season races in Europe. A sea swim in the bay, a fast bike course and a flat run, this race has clocked many sub-8-hour performances over the years.
While Barcelona is famed for its incredible architecture – including Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral, La Sagrada Família – it also boasts a pretty lively nightlife, which is favoured amongst athletes looking for an after-party.
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: Sunday 1st October 2023
Cost: 695 EUR [approx £610]
Most iconic Ironman
Ironman Switzerland Thun
Swim: Lake. Bike: Hilly. Run: Flat
Originally taking place in Zurich, Ironman Switzerland now starts at the picturesque Lake Thun – set beneath the backdrop of glacial mountains. The bike course takes athletes towards Spiez where they turn away from the lake and into Gürbe valley, before continuing towards Berne Airport and the Gantrisch area, and then back to transition for a 42.2k run with glorious mountain views.
Ironman Switzerland Thun was voted the “world’s #1 bucket list race” on Ironman’s social media accounts, beating far-flung finalists such as Cozumel and New Zealand.
Where: Thun, Switzerland
When: Sunday 9th July 2023
Cost: 820 CHF [approx £725]
Best for racing amongst champions
Mainova Ironman European Championship Frankfurt
Swim: Lake. Bike: Rolling. Run: Flat
With a warm lake swim, a rolling bike, and a flat run, Ironman Frankfurt is ideal for those hoping for a PR, World Championship slot, or European title (thanks to the fact that this event hosts the Ironman European Championship for professional female athletes and age group athletes).
The one-loop, 2.4- mile swim has a Mediterranean feel, with 900 meters of golden sand beaches. The 112-mile bike course takes athletes on a scenic tour of the villages surrounding Frankfurt and through the city centre, where cyclists are treated to views of “Mainhattan” with its impressive city skyline. And finally the four-loop run is flat and fast, keeping athletes right in the middle of the action along the paved promenade of the Main River.
Where: Frankfurt, Germany
When: Sunday 2nd July 2023
Cost: from 675 EUR [approx £595]
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