[Photo Credit: Patagonman] The prospect of leaping off the back of a passenger ferry into icy cold water might not sound like the nicest way to start a triathlon. But after speaking to Laura Siddall about her experience at Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon in 2023, the swim sounds like a pretty special experience.
I turned 360 degrees to look back at the boat, said Laura as she reflected on her race day experience. I was presented with this iconic image of the opening of the boat, and the athletes jumping into the water. The sky had cleared, and the sun had just started to rise. I could see the stars, and the mountains behind the boat. The first light of the sun was just starting to hit the whites of the snow caps, giving them this pinkish glow. That was all I needed to see. It was such a magical image, that will be in my head forever.
If you can get past the cold water, and momentarily forget about the incredibly challenging bike and run that await you once you get back to dry land. The swim at Patagonman sounds like an amazing way to start a long day of swim-bike-run.
Location: Sacramento, USARace distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42.2km run Swim location: American River
Why it makes the list: One of the fastest full-distance triathlon swims on the race circuit
Coach to top PROS Dr Dan Plews set a new age-group record in California in 2023. [Photo Credit Donald Miralle/IRONMAN] From an extreme triathlon, to a triathlon with an extremely fast swim course. Taking place in Sacramento, IRONMAN California is one of the favourite full distance races in the USA with age groupers thanks to its super-fast down river swim backed up by a PR-ready bike and run.
According to IRONMAN, the average swim time here in 2023 was just shy of 1 hour 6 minutes. So if youre looking to set a new fastest IRONMAN time. Or like many of us age-groupers the swim is youre least favourite part of a triathlon and you just want to get it over so you can hop on your bike and get to the fun part. IRONMAN California is one of the best full distance triathlon swims going if youre looking for a fast time.
Location: AustriaRace distances: 1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21.1km runSwim location: Lake Walchsee
Why it makes the list: Crystal clear drinking quality water, with the dream-like backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range
Spectacular views from start to finish. [Photo: Challenge Family] Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee is one of the largest triathlon events in Austria, with athletes flocking to the start line to make the most of the incredible scenery and the challenging but spectacular bike course. Its got to be up there with one of the most beautiful triathlon swim locations going. The water is drinking-water quality and crystal clear. And the sight of the sun rising over the mountains as you swim will make for a rather special start to race day.
one of the most beautiful triathlon destinations on the planet Location: Keswick, UKDistances: 1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21.1km runSwim location: Derwentwater lake
Why it makes the list: UNESCO World Heritage-listed scenery and crystal clear water
Taking place in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lake District in the UK, The Lakesman triathlon offers up a middle distance race, plus swim-bike and bike-run options. With a backdrop of rugged fell mountains and sweeping valleys, participants will make their way through the 1.9km swim in the crystal clear Derwentwater lake often cited as the most scenic of the lakes in the area.
If the city sights of Dubai arent calling to you, The Lakesman is a strong contender for one of the most naturally beautiful triathlon swim courses on the race calendar.
Location: Roth, Germany Race distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42.2km run Swim location: Main-Danau Canal
Why it makes the list: Spectator-lined swim course makes for the ultimate atmosphere
Thousands of spectators line the swim course at Roth every year. Making it one of the best triathlon swim courses for atmosphere. The single-lap swim course in the Main-Danau Canal at Challenge Roth might not be the most challenging or scenic. But it more than makes up for that with its incredible atmosphere. Every year, spectators line the swim course in crowds 4 or 5 deep wherever you turn. And the only thing to break up the noise of the roaring crowd, is the iconic sound of the canon firing as more athletes enter the water.
Challenge Roth is one of the best supported triathlon swims youll find. Setting the tone for the rest of the day which is essentially the Tour de France of triathlon, where the energy from the crowds who line the course all race long will have you flying all the way to the finish line.
Location: Tenby, Wales Race distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42.2km run Swim location: North Beach
Why it makes the list: Insane crowds, wild conditions and the added challenge of the run up the infamous zig zag stairs
[Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for IRONMAN] It may no longer have the spectacle of the mass start, but the swim at IRONMAN Wales is still the stuff of legends. Tenby has earned itself the unofficial title of the Iron town because this is a place that not only supports race weekend but fully gets behind it. Crowds swarm to the beach to watch the swim start, creating an electric atmosphere that will last all day as their cheers and roars follow you all the way around the course. Sea conditions can be notoriously tough one of the many reasons IRONMAN Wales is seen as one of the toughest full distance races going. And youve got the added challenge of the run up the zig zag stairs to get to transition. But if you can tough it out, the swim at Tenby is a race start youll never forget and itll earn you some of the ultimate bragging rights.
Location: SingaporeRace distances: 2km swim / 80km bike / 18km run Swim location: Marina Bay
Why it makes the list: The only time youll ever be able to swim in the famous Marina Bay
[Photo: PTO/T100] Usually off limits for open water swimming, the famous Marina Bay opens up for one weekend only when the T100 Triathlon World Tour rolls into town. And it makes for an incredible start to race day theres nothing quite like the surreal experience of swimming underneath the famous Benjamin Sheares Bridge or finding yourself getting distracted by the imposing architecture, usually viewable only from dry land.
Location: AustriaRace distances: 1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21.1km run Swim location: Viehofne See / Ratzerdorf See
Why it makes the list: Two lakes in one swim, with breathtaking scenery
[Photo: Challenge Family] Challenge St Polten takes athletes on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wachau Valley in Lower Austria. So you know the scenery is going to be epic from start to finish. But beyond the stunning views, what makes this race special is its unique swim. You get to swim in not one but two crystal clear lakes, starting with a lap in the Viehofne See, before running 200m to the second lake the Ratzerdorf See to complete the 1.9km swim.
Location: San FranciscoRace distances: 1.5 mile swim / 18 mile bike / 8 mile run Swim location: Nr. Alcatraz Island
Why it makes the list: The ultimate triathlon swim start for adrenaline junkies
Photo Credit: Rocky Arroyo Regular triathlon swim starts not floating you boat anymore? Get Escape From Alcatraz on your bucket list, and you can leap from a boat into icy cold, potentially shark-infested waters and battle strong currents to get back to shore! The famous Escape From Alcatraz triathlon is the ultimate swim for adrenaline junkies, making for an unforgettable experience.
Location: HawaiiRace distances: 3.8km swim / 180km bike / 42.2km run Swim location: Kailua Bay, Kona
Why it makes the list: Theres no swim quite like Kona
[Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN] Turquoise water, glittering in the golden glow of the sunrise. Tropical fish every colour of the rainbow wherever you turn. And if youre lucky, maybe even a few dolphins to see you on you way. The IRONMAN Kona swim course itself might be a simple out and back, but theres nothing quite like the experience of starting race day in the Pacific ocean following in the footsteps (or should that be swim strokes) of so many triathlon legends.
Looking for more inspiration to get your race calendar sorted? Check out our round-up of the fastest triathlon courses, or our ultimate top 10 bucket list triathlons.
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