Alistair Brownlee announces he will be racing Patagonman this December

We’ve rated Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon as one of the toughest iron-distance races in the world, and now one of triathlon’s toughest athletes – Alistair Brownlee – has announced he will be taking it on.

We always suspected when double Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee announced his retirement towards the end of last year, that he wouldn’t be sitting twiddling his thumbs. In fact, when we caught up with him soon afterwards he told us:

“I’m still training two or three hours a day and really enjoying getting out there just for the love of triathlon and exercise. Do I miss the racing? We’ll see once the season really kicks in. But I have so many other ventures going on that I’ll definitely be preoccupied.”

The launch of truefuels, his nutrition business alongside former tennis pro Goran Vasiljevic has taken much of his attention, as well as other ventures which you can read about in more detail in this interview.

Today though, the annoucement that the iconic Yorkshireman is planning on taking on one of the toughest iron-distance races in the calendar is exciting news for the sport.

Fjords and fells

For those not across Patagonman, it’s been voted by 220 writers the toughest iron-distance race out there. “Bucket list races don’t come more exciting than Patagonman, set in the wilds of Chilean Patagonia and luring 250 lucky racers to the Southern Hemisphere since its debut in 2018,“ said 220’s Matt Baird.

In true extreme style, the race starts with a leap from a ferry into a bitingly-cold fjord, followed by a winding wilderness ride on windswept roads, and a dirt road run flanked by arguably triathlon’s greatest scenery.

Patagonman teased a big name entrant a few days ago on their Facebook page, with the message:

“Just when you thought Patagonman couldn’t get any more intense… He’s conquered the world, he’s conquered it all and now, Patagonia is calling. Get ready – things are about to get more interesting. Can you guess who’s coming?

This year’s event is set to be held on December 7th 2025 with more information at the official site here where you can find course info and maps, as well as details on how to apply next year. Places are hotly-contented with two lottery draws being held every year to pick the entrants.

Endurance and adventure

In his announcement, Alistair Brownlee said:

“Alistair Brownlee here and this is just a quick video to say how much I am looking forward to racing Patagonman in December. Well – I’m not sure racing is the right word, but I’m going to be competing – participating!

It’s something that’s been on my bucket list for a long time. I love adventure, I obviously love hard endurance challenges, I love the natural environment and I love exploring new places. Patagonman ticks all those boxes.

I’m very much looking forward to being there in December and meeting the whole triathlon community there and doing some travelling in Chile.”

You have to spare a thought for those lining up against one Alistair Brownlee though… Surely an intimidating (if exciting) prospect alongside a hugely intimidating race course!

Lead image: Alistair Brownlee on route to winning Ironman 70.3 St George in 2017. Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images