Xtreme triathlon
Xtreme Triathlon refers to a type of triathlon competition where competitors race over distances broadly equivalent to those of an Ironman triathlon (3.8k swim, 180k bike, 42k run). They are by definition held over more extreme courses and potentially more extreme conditions due to the often remote locations and large elevation changes.
The original Xtreme triathlon was the Norseman Xtreme triathlon first held in 2003. Many other races have followed on from this and in 2014 the concept of "All XTRI was launched" as a global brand that encompassed Norseman along with Celtman and Swissman. This evolved into what is now known as the XTRI world tour although many other non-affiliated races of similar format exist around the world. In 2019 Norseman will host the first XTRI world championship which athletes are eligible for by qualification at the previous years XTRI world tour races.
The number of participants is limited to a certain number of competitors typically 250 and entry via a ballot system can be very difficult to attain. Many athletes have tried and failed gain entry to races over many years. These small numbers allow races to be held in remote and inaccessible locations which is a defining characterists on XTRI.
Races are "unsupported" so competitors need to have personal back up crews that follow them with cars to provide them with food and drink. The support crews also often need to accompany their competitor on any potentially dangerous mountain sections. During these sections, competitors are often required to carry a backpack containing emergency food and clothing should the weather change.
Courses
While XTRI courses broadly follow the format of Ironman triathlon they are not restrained by this. One of the defining aspects of XTRI is that the courses are typically far more challenging than a typical Ironman and can be longer.
Swims often incorporate often colder water temperatures than would be permitted in a normal race and the smaller number of competitors allows swims to be conducted from much more remote or inaccessible locations including deep water starts accessed by boats and challenging point to point courses.
The cycle components are often longer than an Ironman in excess of 200k and may contain several thousand meters of ascent. They frequently point to point and participants require a support team to follow them throughout.
XTRI runs can vary in length, while the Norseman course has been officially accredited as marathon distance, other courses may be a little less or more. They all have a large component of often challenging and technical off road running with some courses being almost entirely off road. They also typically have a large amount of elevation gain, sometimes more than the cycle sections and a number have mountain finishes.
XTRI world tour races
Race | Country | Start Location | Finish Location | First ran |
---|---|---|---|---|
Norseman | Eidfjord | Gaustatoppen | 2003 | |
Celtman | Shieldaig | Torridon | 2012 | |
Swissman | Ascona | Kleine Scheidegg | 2013 | |
Canada Man/Woman | Lac-Mégantic | Lac-Mégantic | 2017 | |
Jánošík | Oravská priehrada | Terchová | 2016 | |
Swedeman | Tännforesn | Åre | 2018 | |
ICON | Livigno | Livigno | 2017 | |
Hispaman | Peñiscola | Vistabella del Maestrat | 2018 | |
Black Lake | Žabljak | Žabljak | 2019 | |
Fodaxman | Santa Catarina | Estr. Geral do Morro da Igreja | 2019 | |
Patagonman | Puerto Chacabuco | Puerto Ibañez | 2018 |
Other extreme races
Race | Country | Start Location | Finish Location | First ran | Last ran | Part of |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
"Alaskaman". | Miller's Landing | Alyeska | 2017 | 2019 | Extreme Endurance Events (In 2018 it was part of Xtri World Tour) | |
"Alahoman". | 2019 | 2019 | Extreme Endurance Events | |||
"Ísland Extreme Triathlon". | Giant Padlock | Ólafsvík | 2019 | 2019 | Extreme Endurance Events | |
"Winterman". | Děčín | Jested | 2015 | Active | Independent | |
"ManX Xtreme Triathlon". | Laxey | Snaefell | 2019 | 2019 | Xtri World Tour | |
"Kiwiman Extreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Pirene Xtri". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Triathlon X Extreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Beskid Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"HardaSuka Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"ThorXtri". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Austria eXtreme Triathlon". | Graz | Dachstein | 2015 | Active | Independent | |
"TriathlonX Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Sierra Nevada Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Thor Beach Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Lofoten Triathlon – Extreme". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Karakoram Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Embrunman". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Almira-X". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Brutal Extreme". | LLANBERIS, NORTH WALES | Active | Independent | |||
"Evergreen". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Formosa Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Xtri World Tour Prospect race | ||||
"Amazigh Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Xtri World Tour Prospect race | ||||
"Knysna Xtreme Triathlon". | Active | Independent | ||||
"HimalayanXtri". | Active | Xtri World Tour Prospect race | ||||
"Caïroman". | Active | Independent | ||||
"007 Xtri". | Active | Independent | ||||
"Fjord Extreme". | Closed | Independent | ||||
Bearman XXL | France | 2017 | Active | Independent |
References
External links
- Official website
- "Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon".
- "CELTMAN! Extreme Scottish Triathlon".
- "Swissman Xtreme triathlon".
- "Jánošík Slovak Xtreme Triathlon".
- "Canadaman Xtreme Triathlon".
- "Swedeman Xtreme Triathlon".
- "ICON Livigno Xtreme Triathlon".
- "Hispaman Xtreme Triathlon".
- "Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon".
- "Winterman Extreme Triathlon".