NON IRONMAN TRIATHLONS WE LOVE!

David Ashton
6 days ago
3 min read

NON IRONMAN TRIATHLONS WE LOVE!

Beyond the Big Brand: Top Non IronMan Triathlons Worth Your Entry

Everyone loves the IronMan brand, but with races selling out faster than ever and prices increasing, it’s worth exploring other great options. We’ve put together a list of non IronMan triathlons we love, offering the same challenge, great atmosphere, and often a lot more affordable!

🇬🇧 UK RACES WE LOVE

Outlaw Half Holkham – Norfolk, England Distance: 1.2 mile swim • 56 mile bike • 13.1 mile run. Set in the stunning Holkham Estate, this middle-distance triathlon is a favourite among UK athletes. Smooth roads, scenic surroundings, and an iconic finish line make it a summer highlight.

UK Ultimate Triathlon (Ellesmere) – Shropshire, England Offering full, half, and quarter distances around the beautiful Mere lake, this event is known for its friendly atmosphere and flat, fast course. Great for first-timers or PB-chasers alike.

Lakesman Triathlon – Keswick, Lake District An incredible course set against the backdrop of the Cumbrian fells. Both full and half distances are available, and the local support makes it feel every bit as special as the big brand events.

Windsor Triathlon – Berkshire, England An iconic UK race featuring a Thames swim, scenic bike through Windsor Great Park, and a run past the castle.

Bournemouth International Triathlon – Dorset, England Swim in the sea, cycle along the coast, and finish with a promenade run. A perfect summer race (as long as UK weather behaves!)

Castle Race Series – Various UK Locations A collection of races set in beautiful historic venues such as Hever and Cholmondeley Castles. Multiple distances available, from kids’ triathlons to full middle distance.

Dorney Lake Triathlons – Near London Flat, fast, and local. Great for testing your fitness or targeting a PB. Regularly hosts sprint, standard, and middle-distance races throughout the season.

Blenheim Triathlon – Oxfordshire, England Swim, bike, and run around Blenheim Palace. A must-do for anyone looking for a fun, well-organised UK race.

Southend Sprint Triathlon – Essex, England A friendly coastal event with a short swim and fast, flat course. Perfect for newcomers or those sharpening early-season speed.

🌎 RACES AROUND THE WORLD

Embrunman – France One of Europe’s toughest long-distance triathlons. Expect alpine climbs, breathtaking views, and a true test of endurance: 3.8 km swim • 185 km bike • 42.2 km run.

iCAN Gandia – Spain A fast and sunny coastal race on Spain’s east coast. Great for athletes chasing PBs or extending their season late into autumn.

Challenge Samorin (The Championship) – Slovakia Home of “The Championship,” this Challenge Family race attracts a world-class field with a flat, spectator-friendly course.

Swissman Xtreme Triathlon – Switzerland A point-to-point adventure across the Alps. Cold lakes, steep climbs, and an unforgettable mountain finish.

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon – Norway Perhaps the most iconic extreme triathlon in the world. Jump from a ferry into a fjord, bike through the mountains, and finish at the top of Gaustatoppen. Bucket-list stuff.

Why These Are Worth Considering

Better availability: Many still have slots long after Ironman events sell out.
Lower costs: Often more affordable without compromising quality.
Variety: Choose between sprint, standard, or long-distance formats.
Atmosphere: Smaller races often mean friendlier vibes and great community support.

💡 Final Thoughts

If IronMan races are out of reach, whether due to cost, entry pressure, or logistics, don’t let that stop your triathlon journey. These alternative races deliver the same sense of accomplishment, challenge, and adventure, often with a more personal feel.

Your next big race doesn’t need to be branded, it just needs to be memorable.