2023-05-14 10:00:02
Ultimate sporting challenges, the Ironman attract triathletes from all over the world who come to face XXL courses.
If the basic distance already makes any Ironman complicated (3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling and 42.2 km of running), some courses are distinguished by even more difficult running characteristics.
Non-standard elevation gain, extended distances, special weather conditions, etc. : discover the most difficult Ironman in the world, from the Norwegian Norseman Xtreme to the American Ultraman Florida.
What is the Ironman, this XXL triathlon reserved for fierce athletes?
Born in the late 1970s, the first Ironman was organized under the leadership of John Collins, a commander in the US Navy.
The goal? Put an end to the debate which then animated the world of sport to know which of the cyclists, the runners or the swimmers were the most successful sportsmen.
In 1978, the first test brought together 15 athletes from running, cycling and swimming. The race had then consecrated Gordon Haller as the first winner of an Ironman, in 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds.
In principle, Ironman brings together the same disciplines as triathlon. The only difference is the distances covered.
While a triathlon involves 1.5 km of swimming, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running, an Ironman offers 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling and 42.2 km of running at completed in less than 17 hours!
A sporting feat that requires an average of six to nine months of intensive physical preparation to hope to complete the course.
1. Norseman Xtreme Triathlon (Norway): simply the hardest Ironman in the world
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is considered the ultimate Ironman today. If the first edition of 2013 brought together only 21 athletes, today, several thousand men and women try each year to win one of the 290 highly coveted places allocated by lot.
However, the program has something to think regarding even the greatest athletes.
A contested race in extreme weather conditions
With its 226 km of race and 5,235 meters of elevation gainthe Norseman Xtreme is not given to everyone!
Add to that the extreme climatic conditions of the Far North and then you have the perfect recipe for the toughest Ironman in the world.
The race got off to a flying start, with a 5 a.m. dip from a ferry brought to the middle of the Hardangerfjord (average water temperature: 14°C).
After 3.8 km of whitewater swimming to reach the shore, the participants continue with 180 km of cycling. Rather flat, the first 10 kilometers are quickly erased to make way for 25 km of climbing up to 1,300 meters above sea level.
A relatively easy hill start compared to what awaits the last runners. At the end of the course, pedal in effect for 7 km of turns at 10%.
Only the first 160 can then attempt the ultimate running test and its 25 km of constant climb to the top of Mount Gaustatoppen, before brandishing the famous Black T-shirt of the finisher.
Participate in the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
The race is organized every first Saturday of August. Victim of its success, the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is accessible only by drawing lots.
Since 2016, however, an additional chance system has been in place, with the addition of an additional chance for each consecutive year without having been drawn.
Tempted by adventure? See you in October to register for the draw for the 2024 edition and take your loved ones with you. Indeed, in order to maintain a friendly state of mind, only family or friendly assistance is authorized on the course.
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon reference times
For men, the record has been held since 2017 by Norwegian triathlete Lars Christian Vold, in 9 hours and 52 minutes.
On the women’s side, it is also a Norwegian triathlete, Anne Nevin who currently holds the record, with a course completed in 12 hours and 4 minutes during this same 2017 edition.
2. Kona Ironman (Hawaii): the benchmark for Ironman
It was in Hawaii that the first Ironman was held, more precisely in Waikiki, before moving a few years later to Kona.
A reference for all triathletes in the world, this mythical course is also renowned for having remained one of the most difficult in the world, despite the many competing courses laid out around the world.
Today, around 2,000 athletes rush to the starting line every year, hoping to overcome this extreme sporting challenge.
Focus on the Kona Ironman course
The race begins in Kailua-Kona Bay, in turquoise water at 25°C where the hardest part is still to find a place among the crowd of swimmers.
Once the swim is complete, participants get on their bikes to ride along the coast of the Big Island, between Kailua-Kona and Hawi.
In a postcard setting, the moist climate, the unpredictable Ho’o Mumuku (Hawaii wind) and the heat close to 40°C considerably complicate the event.
After 180 km of cycling and 2,000 m of elevation gain, the triathletes tackle the marathon, heading north of the island before reaching Pahoehoe Beach Park south of Kailua-Kona and retracing their steps. The most resistant will be consecrated on Alii Drive following an incredible test of physical and mental resistance.
Kona Ironman records
Here are some athletes who marked the competition with their performances:
- Daniela Ryf, current women’s time record holder in 8:26:16
- Iromu Inada, holder of the longevity record thanks to his performance in 16 h 53 m at 86 years old;
- Paula Newby-Fraser, the Queen of Kona, women’s record holder with eight competitions won;
- John Frodeno, the current Ironman world champion and record holder with a time of 7:51:13;
- Mark Allen and Dave Scott, both record holders for men’s victories with six XXL triathlons won.
Participate in the Kona Ironman
The next edition will take place on May 6, 2023.
If you want to take on this mythical competition, see you in 2024! Registration opens on October 26.
Who will be there?
3. Embrunman (France): a unique long-distance triathlon to conquer the Hautes-Alpes
Created in 1984, the Embrunman is one of the most demanding XXL triathlons in the world.
Renowned for its departure given at night in the lake of Serre-Ponçon, its notoriety is also due to its tough and demanding cycling event.
It must be said that the ascent of the Col de l’Izoard and the 5,000 m of elevation gain forced many cyclists to give up!
On the marathon side, the competition ends with three laps of a route drawn around the village of Embrun.
The crossing a grade at 5% over 1.5 km three times in a row generally depletes the last energy reserves of more enduring athletes.
Results: the race lasts an average of two hours longer than the other Ironman offered around the world.
The competition takes place every August 15. It brings together around 1,500 athletes and some 100,000 spectators.
As for runners or spectators, don’t miss this mythical race in the French Hautes-Alpes!
The records of l’Embrunman
The time record is held by Frenchman Léon Chevalier, who completed the course in 9 hours 28 minutes and 18 seconds in 2021.
Do you think you can improve this time? You have until July 5 to register for the 2023 edition (be careful, the longer you wait, the higher the registration fees).
4. Altriman (France): a serious competitor to Embrunman
We stay in France, but this time on the side of the Pyrenees for the Altriman, a course which wants to be the main competitor to the Embrunman.
In the motto?
Madness is the only thing you never regret!.
Suffice to say that here once more, both the physical and the mental are put to the test.
After two loops in Lake Matemalethe athletes straddle their bikes for 194 km of course and 4,826 m of elevation gain through the mountains of the Pyrenees.
After nine passesliters of sweat poured out and sumptuous panoramas admired, the triathletes finish the race with two loops of a course that displays 990 meters of elevation gain.
Inscriptions 2023
The next edition will take place on July 8, 2023. Registration is still open. This year, count 270 € to have the right to participate. In addition to the bib, this rate includes many services, including meals, voucher, t-shirt and medal.
5. Livigno Xtrem Triathlon (Italy): 5,000 meters of elevation gain
On the program of the Livigno Xtreme Triathlon: 3.8 km of swimming in Lake Gallo, 195 km and 5,000 meters of elevation gain by bike then 42.2 km of running which sign one of the most demanding courses on the world circuit.
Straddling Switzerland and Italy, the Livigno Xtrem aligns the passes: Forcola Pass (2,315 m), Bernina Pass (2,323 m), Fuorn Pass (2,149 m), Stelvio Pass (2,747 m, 48 hairpin bends) and finally Col de Foscagno (2291 m).
As a conclusion, the runners take the final start of the marathon for a arrival at 3,000 meters above sea level following 9 km of ascent continues before the finish line.
Are you sweating just reading these numbers? We reassure you, we too!
The next race will be held on September 1, 2023. Ready for the challenge?
6. Ultraman Florida (USA): even tougher than the toughest Ironman
The Ultraman Florida is held every year in Florida, in Orlando.
Organized over three days, the race aligns the kilometers for a total of 517.5 km distributed as follows:
- 6.2 miles of freestyle on the first day (9.98 km);
- 236 miles of cycling on the first and second day (423.26 km);
- 52.4 miles of running on day three (84.33 km).
This XXL distance is drawn through the mythical lakes and oaks of the Florida region. Very physically and mentally demanding, it notably passes through Lake Minneola, Victory Pointe and Windermere.
Entry Rules
The event is accessible only by invitation and under conditions (participation in certain qualifying races, Ultracamp training in particular).
Only 50 solo runners win the precious sesame each year to have the right to sweat on American roads.
Records
In men, the best stopwatch was made by Kévin Wright in 6 hours 57 minutes and 30 seconds during the 2018 edition.
On the women’s side, it is Antonina Reznikov who holds the record for time in 7 hours 29 minutes and 59 seconds. A chronometer recently made during the 2022 edition.
To conclude
This list gave you ants in the legs and you want to take up the challenge? As the saying goes, with a brave heart, nothing is impossible!
However, an Ironman is both a sporting and a human adventure. The ultimate goal of many triathletes, these extraordinary races require demanding physical and mental preparation.
An adapted training and nutrition program will be essential steps to progress effectively and reach the finish line. With, ultimately, the satisfaction and pride of having exceeded one’s own limits.
Otherwise, you still have the option to participate from your sofa, since most races are now broadcast live on social media. Here, we have already made our choice!
And you, are you more of a sweat team or a sofa team?
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