{"id":16754,"date":"2022-08-18T10:21:59","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T08:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/?p=8387"},"modified":"2022-08-18T12:39:08","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T10:39:08","slug":"11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/rss_feed\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet\/","title":{"rendered":"11 of the toughest middle-distance triathlons on the planet"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By 220 Triathlon Team\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

For many, taking on a middle-distance triathlon is hard enough, but what if you want to make it extra challenging? Well, then you\u2019d probably want to take on one of the toughest 70.3 races in the world\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

To help you on your masochistic pursuit of a challenge, we\u2019ve pulled together a list of middle-distance races that\u2019ll really test you.<\/p>\n

11. The Gauntlet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Hever Castle, Kent, England<\/p>\n<p>The Hever Castle leg of the Castle Race Series is famous for hosting the world\u2019s largest children\u2019s <strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/beginners\/what-is-a-triathlon\/"\">triathlon<\/a><\/strong> and more beginner-friendly races than you can poke a track pump at. But what\u2019s often overlooked is how deceptively tough the bike and run routes are of the longer races.<\/p>\n<p>After a unique 1.9km swim that features a Japanese teahouse and two bodies of water (a lake and a river Eden tributary), <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.castleraceseries.com\/disciplines\/triathlon\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">the Gauntlet<\/a><\/strong>\u2018s 90km two-loop bike takes in the high weald of Kent and Ashdown forest. It\u2019s relentlessly rolling and scenic (if you can muster the energy to sightsee), with the high\/low point being the 7km-long climb on the High Road south of Hartfield.<\/p>\n<ul><li><strong><a class=\""standard-card-newarticle-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/long-distance\/ironman-distance-triathlons-the-7-best-european-irons-for-beginners\/"\">Ironman-distance triathlons: The best European Irons for beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\""standard-card-newarticle-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/middle-distance-triathlons-8-of-the-uk-s-best-half-irons-for-beginners\/"\">Middle-distance triathlons: The UK\u2019s best half-irons for beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><p>The two-loop run, meanwhile, is set on leg-sapping trails and bridle paths to Chiddingstone and back, and is one that\u2019ll keep you on guard throughout and can be very sticky if it\u2019s rained before the race (like it did in 2015). There\u2019s also a nasty little climb at the end of each loop before one of the UK\u2019s best finishing chutes (and post-race food).<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>The Gauntlet stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:<\/strong> lake, 5<br\/><strong>Swim temp:<\/strong> 17\u00b0C, 6<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:<\/strong> 1,456m, 6<br\/><strong>Run elevation:<\/strong> 160m, 2<br\/><strong>Run surface type:<\/strong> trail, 7<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:<\/strong> 18.9\u00b0C, 5<br\/><strong>Psych battle:<\/strong> 4<br\/><strong>Isolation:<\/strong> 4<br\/><strong>DNF rate:<\/strong>\u00a0 3.6%, 3<br\/><strong>Median time:<\/strong> 6:39:22, 6<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 48\/100\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>10. Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""Challenge\" walchsee=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zCcBVZ37EWw?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Walchsee, Austria<\/p>\n<p>Set in the majestic Austrian Tyrol region, <strong><a href=\"\/\/challenge-walchsee.com\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Challenge Half Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl<\/a><\/strong> gives Challenge Wanaka a push as the race organiser\u2019s most beautiful event. But, like that New Zealand stunner, there\u2019s a sting in the tail provided by the testing bike leg.<\/p>\n<ul><li><strong><a class=\""standard-card-newarticle-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/bike-training\/bike-legs-6-of-the-world-s-most-scenic\/"\">The world\u2019s most scenic bike legs<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><p>After a swim in the crystal-clear Walchsee lake, the two-loop 90km bike takes in the mountainous panorama of the Kaiserwinkl region, subjecting athletes to over 1,000m of elevation gain along the way. The 21km run course is mercifully flat and heads around the lake, along the promenade and through alpine meadows.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlightcontent\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>lake, 5<br\/><strong>Swimp temp:\u00a0<\/strong>23\u00b0C, 4<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,596m, 7<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>132m, 1<br\/><strong>Run surface type:\u00a0<\/strong>concrete paths, 5<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>19\u00b0C, 6<br\/><strong>Psych battle:\u00a0<\/strong>5<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>6\u00a0<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>4.5%, 4<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>5:29:31, 5<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 48\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>9. Israman 113<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""ISRAMAN\" garmin=\"\" official=\"\" clip=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CcLFGtqRWEg?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Eilat, Israel<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/\/www.israman.co.il\/?lang=en"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Israman<\/a><\/strong> began life in 1999 and remains the only long-distance triathlon in the Israel\u2019s dedicated multisport scene. Hosting both 113km middle and 226km long-course races, the Israman starts in the southern holiday resort of Eilat, nestled between the mountainous terrain of Jordan to the east and Egypt to the west.<\/p>\n<p>The race then heads north after a swim in the salty Red Sea for the unforgiving Negev desert, starting with a 12km climb straight out of transition up to 600m above sea level. The temperatures in the desert can vary from freezing to 30C, with 60mph crosswinds adding to the gruelling mix.<\/p>\n<p>If the run elevation gain looks small, that number is deceptive (so we\u2019d added a few marks), with the course unique in middle-distance triathlon in that it\u2019s sharply downhill for the first 12km before a coastline finish.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Israman 113 stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>calm sea, 4<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>21\u00b0C, 4<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,895m, 8<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>99m, 4<br\/><strong>Run surface type:\u00a0<\/strong>path, 4<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0 <\/strong>19\u00b0C, 6<strong><br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong><\/strong>6<strong><br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong><\/strong>6<strong><br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>1%, 1<strong><br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>7:19:12, 7<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 50\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>8. The Snowman Legend\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""Snowman\" triathlon=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LgcXukVxlFs?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Plas y Brenin, Snowdonia, Wales<\/p>\n<p>If snow is unlikely in July, even in the seeming microclimate that is Snowdonia, <strong><a href=\"\/\/alwaysaimhighevents.com\/events"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">the Snowman<\/a><\/strong> delivers on its promise of being top race organiser Always Aim High\u2019s toughest middle-distance race.<\/p>\n<p>The swim kicks off in the shallow Llyn Mymbyr before an epic 90km bike through the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. The run nearly features as much elevation gain as the bike, taking athletes to the summit of Moel Siabod and straight back down to the finish line at Plas y Brenin.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>The Snowman Legend stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>calm lake, 5<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>17\u00b0C, 6<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,708m, 7<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>842m, 8<br\/><strong>Run surface type:\u00a0<\/strong>mixed terrain, 6<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>18\u00b0C, 5<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>5<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>6<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>2.63%, 2<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>6.10.26, 6<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 56\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>7. Ironman 70.3 St. George<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""2017\" ironman=\"\" st.=\"\" george=\"\" official=\"\" race=\"\" video=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/591PqBE4ZeI?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> St George, Utah, USA<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the race where <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/news\/ironman\/alistair-brownlee-triumphs-on-ironman-703-debut"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Alistair Brownlee made his statement of 70.3 intent in May 2017<\/a><\/strong> but, despite his course record of 3:41:58, <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.ironman.com\/im703-st-george"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Ironman 70.3 St George<\/a><\/strong> is actually one of the toughest Ironman 70.3s on the circuit for us mere mortals.<\/p>\n<p>The one loop swim takes place in the calm, if chilly, waters of the Sand Hollow Reservoir before the bike leg takes in rolling hills and the signature climb up \u2013 and through \u2013 Snow Canyon State Park. The run, meanwhile, includes scaling Red Hills Parkway and going through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, all under the scorching Utah sun.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Ironman 70.3 St. George stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>reservoir, 4<br\/><strong>Swim temp: <\/strong>17\u00b0C, 6<br\/><strong>Bike elevation: <\/strong>963m, 4<br\/><strong>Run elevation: <\/strong>386m, 3\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<br\/><strong>Run surface type:\u00a0<\/strong>concrete, 5<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>23.8C\u00b0C, 10\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<br\/><strong>Psych battle:\u00a0<\/strong>7<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>5<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\""font-size:\">3.28%, 3<br\/><strong>Median time: <\/strong>6:16:09, 6\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 53\/100\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><blockquote class=\""instagram-media"\" style=\""background:\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"""\" data-instgrm-version=\""7"\">\n<h2><strong>6. Triathlon San Gil 113k<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""OFFICIAL\" challenge=\"\" san=\"\" gil=\"\" queretaro=\"\" full=\"\" hd=\"\" video=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uguyDN77zJk?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location: <\/strong>Queretaro, Mexico<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/\/www.en.triatlon-sangil.com\/event-information\/triathlon-san-gil-113-k\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">This 113km toughie<\/a><\/strong> in Quer\u00e9taro (200km north of Mexico City) has been running since 1992. Altitude more than elevation gain plays a major role in the athlete\u2019s toils, with the swim taking place in an artificial lake at an altitude of 2,000m.<\/p>\n<p>The bike then climbs even higher on the bike course into the Quer\u00e9taro Mountains. The run is thankfully flat but the mid-summer Mexican sun keeps the torment coming.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Triathlon San Gil 113k stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type: <\/strong>altitude lake, 8<br\/><strong>Swimp temp:<\/strong> 22\u00b0C, 5<br\/><strong>Bike elevation: <\/strong>774m, 3<br\/><strong>Run elevation: <\/strong>82m, 2\u00a0<br\/><strong>Run surface type: <\/strong>road, 5<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>27.4\u00b0C, 10<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>8<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>6<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>3.58%, 3<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>6:02:33, 6\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 56\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>5. The Lost Sheep<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""The\" lost=\"\" sheep=\"\" triathlon=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DEfcZ1hxgqM?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Kenmare, Ireland<\/p>\n<p>During the past 14 years, the <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.corktri.com\/events\/the-lost-sheep-triathlon-kenmare\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Lost Sheep Half Iron Triathlon<\/a><\/strong> has established itself as the toughest middle-distance race in Ireland. Organised by Cork Triathlon Club, the race is limited to 400 competitors and is a surefire bet to sell-out each season.<\/p>\n<p>The 1.9km swim takes place in the pretty Kenmare Bay before a consistently lumpy 83km bike, which takes competitors from Kenmare out along the ring of Beara peninsula. Along the way are a duo of monster climbs, switchbacks and a 150m tunnel. While the bike course may be 7km short of official Ironman 70.3 distance, the organisers say they\u2019ve yet to find anyone asking for more.<\/p>\n<p>Like the bike, the 21km run course is rolling throughout and takes place on quiet country roads by the river Sheen before returning to Kenmare town over hilly terrain.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>The Lost Sheep stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>bay, 7\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>15\u00b0<span style=\""font-size:\">C, 8<br\/><\/span><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>970m, 4\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>250m, 5\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<br\/><strong>Run surface type: <\/strong>road, 4<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>16\u00b0C, 7\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>5<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>6<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>6.3%, 6<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>5:37:38, 5<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 57\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>4. Altriman Half<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""Triathlon\" half=\"\" altriman=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9k1RdexOY_E?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location: <\/strong>Les Angles, Pyrenees, France<\/p>\n<p>We voted the Full Altriman triathlon the second-hardest iron race in the world last year, and <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.altriman.com\/courses\/half-altriman\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">the Half Version<\/a><\/strong> doesn\u2019t skimp on dishing out the punishment either.<\/p>\n<p>After a 1.9km swim at high altitude, the 92km bike heads north through the Pyrenees and includes a leg-sapping 2,100m of elevation gain and plenty of winding and hairy descents. The run is thankfully flat for the first 8km before a 6km climb takes athletes to 1,700m above sea level.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Altriman Half stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type: <\/strong>lake, 8<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>19\u00b0<span style=\""font-size:\">C, 6<br\/><\/span><strong>Bike elevation: <\/strong>2,500m, 8<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>400m, 4<br\/><strong>Run surface type: <\/strong>tarmac & trail, 6<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>28\u00b0C, 10<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>9<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>10\u00a0<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>8.92%, 9<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>6:56:05, 6<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 76\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>3. AxTri<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""AXTRI\" movie=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QcH97o_1FzY?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Aurland, Norway<\/p>\n<p>If a race start on Laguna Beach conjures images of Thailand, the <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.axtri.no\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">AxTri<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s setting couldn\u2019t be further from it. The Aurland fjord is one of the deepest in the world and water temperatures range from 8-20C depending on the depth.<\/p>\n<p>The long 98km bike route boasts 3,100m of elevation gain and travels from Aurland, over Aurlandsfjellet (1,320m above sea level), down to the village of Erdal by the fjord, back the same way over the mountain to Aurland and the eastern end of the lake Vassbygdi-vatnet (T2). The air temperature may drop below the freezing point on top of the mountain on the bike leg, even in August.<\/p>\n<p>Athletes have a 2km respite from the hills at the start of the run before things get hilly for the final 19km, with over a thousand metres of climbing. Support crews are allowed to follow athletes up the valley, but each athlete must carry their own backpack containing all their gear. The run up Aurlandsdalen has seen temperatures close to 30C, so athletes have to prepare for all weather conditions, as well as aching calfs, <strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/injuries\/why-is-quad-strength-important-for-triathletes\/"\">quads<\/a><\/strong> and lungs.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>AxTri stats\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>fjord,10<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>8-20\u00b0<span style=\""font-size:\">C, 10<br\/><\/span><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>3,100m, 10<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,100m, 10<br\/><strong>Run surface type:\u00a0<\/strong>trail, 7<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>14\u00b0C,8<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>10<br\/><strong>Isolation:\u00a0 <\/strong>10\u00a0\u00a0<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>3.44%, 3<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>9:02:24, 9<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 87\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>2. The Brutal Half<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""THE\" brutal=\"\" ::=\"\" extreme=\"\" triathlons=\"\" half=\"\" full=\"\" and=\"\" double=\"\" ironman=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xwi9rHjZYqI?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location: <\/strong>Llanberis, Wales<\/p>\n<p>Set in the picturesque and dramatic scenery of Llanberis in Snowdonia, Northern Wales, the <strong><a href=\"\/\/www.brutalevents.co.uk\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Half Brutal<\/a><\/strong> is the shortest brother of the increasingly (in)famous Brutal family, which also include the full length (up there as the toughest Iron event on the planet, the double and triple.<\/p>\n<p>The swim section\u00a0takes place in the chilly Lyn Padarn lake\u2019s water (two laps). What follows is worth the race name: a two-lap bike with 1,524m of total vertical gain in total, one 8km lap of running around the lake to stretch the legs, and then a leg-sapping, lung-busting climb to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and back down again.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Brutal Half stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type: <\/strong>lake, 7<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>15\u00b0C, 8<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,513m, 7<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>920m, 9<br\/><strong>Run surface type: <\/strong>mountain paths, 9<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>14\u00b0C, 8<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>10<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>10\u00a0<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>12%, 10<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>10:40:53, 10<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 88\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2><strong>1. Half X<\/strong><\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""Triathlon\" x=\"\" half.=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XLAJZZZ4bLY?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Ambleside, Cumbria<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/\/triathlonx.co.uk\/"\" target=\""_blank"\" rel=\""noopener" noopener noreferrer\">Half X<\/a><\/strong> is the shorter sibling of the infamous TriathlonX in the Lake District, a race we named as the toughest long-distance triathlon in the world. And like it\u2019s bigger brother, the bike route takes place on the legendary Fred Whitton cyclosportive route and features a run up Scafell Pike and down again.<\/p>\n<p>With 2,800m of elevation gain, the bike route takes in six hill climbs over 20%, with Hardknott Pass topping out at 33%. The half marathon run, meanwhile, is imposing in its own right, taking in the peaks of Nab Scar, Heron Pike and Great Rigg before the final ascent of Fairfield Summit.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlightcontent\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<h4><strong>Half X stats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Swim type:\u00a0<\/strong>lake swim, 7<br\/><strong>Swimp temp: <\/strong>18\u00b0 7<br\/><strong>Bike elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>2,800m, 10<br\/><strong>Run elevation:\u00a0<\/strong>1,079m, 10<br\/><strong>Run surface type: <\/strong>Rocky trails, 10<br\/><strong>Avg. high temp:\u00a0<\/strong>17\u00b0C, 6<br\/><strong>Psych battle: <\/strong>10<br\/><strong>Isolation: <\/strong>10<br\/><strong>DNF rate:\u00a0<\/strong>17.3%, 10<br\/><strong>Median time:\u00a0<\/strong>9:01:17,\u00a0 9<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough total: 89\/100<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlightcontent\" editor-content=\"\"> \n<ul><li><strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/run-training\/70-3-run-advice-and-sessions-from-will-clarke\/"\">70.3 run advice and sessions from Will Clarke<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/swim-training\/70-3-swim-advice-and-sessions-from-lucy-charles\/"\">70.3 swim advice and sessions from Lucy Charles<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/bike-training\/70-3-bike-tips-and-sessions-from-david-mcnamee\/"\">70.3 bike tips and sessions from David McNamee<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\""https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/training\/long-distance\/11-middle-distance-training-tips-for-beginners\/"\">11 middle-distance training tips for beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><\/blockquote><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By 220 Triathlon Team Published: Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 12:00 am For many, taking on a middle-distance triathlon is hard enough, but what if you want to make it extra challenging? Well, then you\u2019d probably want to take on one of the toughest 70.3 races in the world\u2026 To help you on your masochistic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":16755,"template":"","categories":[1,23],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet.jpg",600,440,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet-300x220.jpg",300,220,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet.jpg",600,440,false],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet.jpg",600,440,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet.jpg",600,440,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/08\/11-of-the-toughest-middle-distance-triathlons-on-the-planet.jpg",600,440,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By 220 Triathlon Team Published: Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 12:00 am For many, taking on a middle-distance triathlon is hard enough, but what if you want to make it extra challenging? Well, then you\u2019d probably want to take on one of the toughest 70.3 races in the world\u2026 To help you on your masochistic…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/16754"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}