From swims in a surfer’s paradise to iconic Alpine, here we’ve compiled a list of some of the most memorable, craziest and toughest short-course triathlons on the planet.
In terms of qualifying criteria, we’ve capped the total race distances at 60km, so that includes both sprint and Olympic distances (see our full guide to triathlon distances for more on the sport's different formats).
We've also picked an optimum water temperature of around 21°C (warm, but not too warm to make it a non-wetsuit swim). And both road and trail events are eligible.
In a change from our usual toughest triathlons in the world series (Irons, middles, beginners), here we’ve added bonus points for off-road triathlons and for any race that takes place more than 1,524m above sea level.
Time, then, to let the short-course battle commence, starting with a gem in Snowdonia...
7. The Snowman Sprint Triathlon
Location: Plas y Brenin, Snowdonia
Distance: 750m swim, 27km bike, 6.1km run
If snow is unlikely in August, even in the seeming microclimate that is Snowdonia, the Snowman delivers on its promise of being top race organisers Always Aim High’s toughest short-course race.
The swim quicks off in the shallow Llyn Mymbyr before a 27km bike through the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. The 6.1km run, meanwhile, takes athletes into the forests of Braich Bryn-engan.
Standard and Legend (70.3) options are also available.
6. Mountain Man Triathlon
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
The Mountain Man Triathlon is billed as “the toughest race you’ll ever love”. Which is partly down to the rarefied air – it takes place at 2,134m above sea level in North Arizona.
To compound the pain, the lake swim takes place in relatively cool 19.4°C waters in the City of Flagstaff Reservoir.
The bike takes in stunning vistas of lakes, mountains and forest, and is relatively flat aside from a tough 120m climb.
The out-and-back run shadows beautiful Lake Mary and, though reasonably flat, does include a one-mile climb that rises 117m.
5. Craggy Island Triathlon
Location: Oban, Scotland
Distance: 550m swim, 14km bike, 8km run
The Craggy Island Triathlon is unique in that it tasks athletes with swimming from the mainland to an island to reach T1. The island is the unspoilt Isle of Kerrera, just off Scotland’s coastal town of Oban.
The bike and run legs are entirely off-road (there aren’t any roads on the island, after all), and will take you from sea level to the highest point of the island.
4. Croyde Ocean Triathlon
Location: Putsborough Beach, Devon, UK
Distance: 1,500m swim, 38km bike, 12km run
The Croyde Ocean Triathlon has been going since 2015 and has established itself as an Olympic-distance toughie, with a 1.5km sea swim in the surfer’s honeypot of Putsborough Beach kicking things off.
The hilly 37km road bike heads towards Ilfracombe and ticks off the glorious sites of North Devon, before the 12km run hugs the coastline and takes things off road, including a leg-sapping beach run at Croyde.
3. June Lake Triathlon
Location: June Lake, California
Distance: 1,500m swim, 40.2km bike, 10km run
The June Lake Triathlon takes place at over 2,316m above sea level, providing plenty of alpine beauty and majestic views in the process.
What it also delivers is the taxing test of racing at high altitude, an added dimension to the tough course on offer.
After a one lap swim in the titular June Lake, the bike course heads north towards Grant Lake before returning to T2 for a trail run that’s described as ‘Wildflower at 8,000ft’ (2,438m).
Few courses can match the beauty on offer at June Lake, but much will depend on an athlete’s ability to race at high altitude.
2. Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
Location: San Francisco, California
Distance: 2.4km swim, 29km bike, 12.9km run
One of the most historic races in triathlon starts by jumping off a boat into San Francisco Bay. It’s cold and brutal, though the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are memorable.
A half-mile run to transition follows before mounting your bike for a route that weaves its way around Presidio Park.
Things finish off with a 12.9km run that includes a route out to Baker Beach Battery, which involves the notorious 400-step climb up a sand ladder through the dunes.
1. Alpe d'Huez Short Distance Triathlon
Location: Alpe d’Huez, France
Distance: 1,200m swim, 28km bike, 6.7km run
While its bigger brother, the Long Distance, hogs most of the headlines, the Short Distance Alpe d’Huez Triathlon still features plenty of skyward ascent over its 28km bike leg.
The race begins with a swim in the clear if biting waters of the Lac du Verney, located at an altitude of 700m and closed to swimmers 364 days a year.
The 28km bike cuts almost instantly to the tough stuff, with the climbing starting after Bourg d’Oisans to the summit of Alpe d’Huez, one of road cycling’s most iconic climbs.
The hills are very steep, with gradients ranging between 10 and 12%, and elevation gain is nearly 1,500m (more than many Ironman bike legs manage in their 180km duration).
The run course is a mixture of trail paths and roads, and athletes are tasked with battling the 1,860m-high altitude.
Looking for some kit to help you tick off these races? Take a look at our lists of the best triathlon wetsuits, best triathlon bikes and best tri-suits.
Top image credit: Cyrille Quintard