Jonas Deichmann to take on 120 long-distance triathlons in 120 days
German adventurer Jonas Deichmann has announced plans to take on Sean Conway's world record. Here's what you need to know...
Endurance athlete and adventurer Jonas Deichmann has announced his intention to set a new world record of the most long-distance triathlons completed on consecutive days.
The existing record stands at 105 triathlons in 105 days and was set by Sean Conway in 2023.
While Sean set his record in the area near to his home in North Wales, Jonas will be using the official Challenge Roth race course for his attempt.
Speaking in a post on his Instagram, he said: “This is the greatest sporting challenge of my life… Now I’m 36 and at the peak of my athletic performance, I want to know what’s truly possible.
“To find out, there’s no better place than the triathlon mecca in Roth. On 9 May it’s kick off time for me and I’ll complete Challenge Roth 120 times.”
Commenting on his Instagram post, Challenge Roth said: “When Jonas came to our office for the first time, he simply left us speechless.
“We are incredibly proud that Jonas has chosen Roth to attempt such a record and is doing good for the [Laureus charity]. An absolute inspiration. We can’t wait to see Jonas on the road here in Roth. Go, Jonas!”
Sean, the existing record holder, also commented on the post, saying: “This is awesome. I know you’ll smash it, mate.”
As Sean did during his attempt, Jonas is also inviting people to join him for a stint, whether that be a day or just a swim, bike or run.
Who is Jonas Deichmann?
Jonas is no stranger to endurance challenges. He’s cycled from Cape North (the northernmost tip of mainland Norway) to Cape Town, South Africa.
He’s also cycled from Alaska to South America, cycled across North America (and ran back across, starting the day after he finished his ride).
In 2021, he swam, cycled and ran around the world, completing 120 iron-distance triathlons in just one year.
Now, though, he wants to go one better, doing a full-distance triathlon each day for 120 days.
The existing record
Sean Conway set the new world record for the most irons completed on consecutive days in July 2023, when he broke the record of 101 previously set by the James Lawrence (the Iron Cowboy).
After breaking James’ record, Sean decided to do a few more. Speaking at the time, he said: “Up until yesterday, I had to do them. Now I want to see if I can cope doing them when I don’t have to do them. So we’ll see.”
Sean eventually left it up to chance to see if he should continue by flipping a coin, but finished after 105 days when the coin toss went the wrong way.
Now, it’s up to Jonas to break the record. Will he stop if he makes it to 120, or will he keep going? Time will tell…
Top image credit: Markus Weinburg