Retired Races

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Alaskaman was an awesome race. It started in 2017 and joined the XTRI World Tour. But various factors meant it last ran in 2019.

It's famous for the freezing Resurrection Bay swim, swimming against glacier melt. Then the nerve racking Highway 9 bike route alongside articulated logger wagon trains, and the stunning Alyeska summit run (twice!). Oh that Alyeskan Ridge.

The run is also famous for getting a spray and bell to ward of bears, and a hand cranked cage to propel you across a ravine.

Originally titled 'The Big Ben Nevis Tri' in 2014. A sea loch swim in late September was refreshing. The bike was fast, with only 600m of ascents.

But what made this iconic was running from sea level, 1370m up to the summit of Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) and all the way back down again.

Race organisers pulled out and no-one stepped in. But we hope it returns.

Strong uptake 2022-23, but demand faltered for 2024. America remains a challenge due to low holiday allowances.

A great point-to-point full distance course in the foothills of the Appalachians totalling 15000ft (4570m) of ascents over 135 miles (217kms).

We're still proud to say the sports very first female overall winner.  Audrey Maheu beat the guys by an hour, on a fat bike.

Photo by  Gregg Gelmis of WeRunRacePhotos 

Along with Lofoten this was one of our most environmentally friendly races, hence the name. And one of the toughest and most scenic.

This incredible point to point 7850m ascents adventure starts with a 4km swim at 1100m elevation, then a 190km bike over 5 mountain passes, and a 42.1km run up and down each side of the Chamonix Valley.

3.8km swim (around a peninsular with a castle on top). Then bike 183km & 3400m ascents into the Spanish hills, including the famous 'Lost Road'. Then run 42km, mostly offroad with 900m descents & 2000m ascents across the stunning gorges.

Very popular XTRI race until nature protection regulations significantly impacted the bike and run routes.

Photo by JL Hourcade

Another Aaron Paalian race, alongside Alaskaman, which has since left us.

3.8km (12-13c) midnight swim start, 205km bike (2680m ascents) and 44km run (1500m ascents). 

English south coast race from the Brutal gang, started in 2013, but finished in 2022.

It was a 3.8km sea swim, which could be "a little rough". Then a point to point 180km bike with 2600m of ascents east along southern England, then a stunning 42km marathon with 1120m of ascents literally on the coastal path, well known for it's cliffs and fossils (hence 'Jurassic Coast').

A prospect race for XTRI, that endured the worst weather the area had seen in years (or since), with the swim so rough it actually had to be cancelled.

But several intrepid soles still finished, and like telling the tales.

Yep, the name is a giveaway. Hopefully only taking a break and will come back.

Not only was it a 1.9km swim, 92km bike (with 1158m ascents) and 22.5km mostly offroad run (with 1125m ascents, and 1430m descents!). It also starts at midnight. 

Seeing the sunrise over the Cairngorms on the run is something magical ... if you could keep it mentally together on the swim & bike. 

Thor now focusses on his new Half distance which actually has even more ascents.

The full distance had the most epic swim on the planet. Fighting cold water and river & power plant outlet currents, adding 20-40% swim times. Then immediately onto the most iconic bike climb in the world. Then a deceptively tough run along beautiful coastal paths and over beaches, finishing by the awesome Three Swords monument. 2959m of ascents overall.

Voted 'Worlds Toughest Triathlon' by 220 Magazine in 2019, the same year there was a single finisher in just short of 19 hours, after 238km distance and 7339m of elevation gains. That's 4637m on the bike  (12 major climbs, 33% at times), and 2669m on the run (9 mountain summits).

But after only 4 finishers in 3 years, it was replaced by the Triathlon X Ultra, an option off the Triathlon X Full. See Active Races for further details.

A great little event on the beautiful Northern Irish coast. Full distance with 4112m ascents (3000m bike, 1112m run). Sea swim and 40% off road run. Half and Full distances.

Swim without neoprene in 13c? Several did, more ladies than men. Northern Irish are hard core.

Various factors meant it failed to return after Covid.

Other smaller less well known races have existed, usually tester races which have been discontinued or yet to fully remobilise, e.g. 007Xtri, Alohaman, AlpineMan, CairoMan, Coniston Old Man, FjordXtreme, Karkonoszman, Oppland, Sierra Nevada, Southman and The Guardsman (now Starvation).