Ah September. The turning point of the year that signals the return of cold mornings and dark evenings. The kids are back to school. The summer kit will soon be back at the bottom of the drawer. And all those end of year work deadlines that felt an age away in the heady days of summer, are suddenly starting to look alarmingly not-so-distant. The end of summer blues are real. And the best way to cure them? Booking a family friendly race-cation to escape the onset of autumn, of course!
Whether you’re looking for a warm weather half-term getaway to Europe, or just a weekend of multisport action where your whole support crew can get involved to give you and the family something to look forward to as the cold, dark months loom. We’re bringing you our pick of the best family friendly triathlons in Europe this autumn.
Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Swap damp leaves and miserable grey weather for the glittering blue waters and golden sandy beaches of Sardinia. Held in the luxurious yet family friendly resort of Forte Village, this middle distance from Challenge Family is the ultimate way to put your summer of training to good use. The race itself features a spectacular course that should go straight on your bucket list. But the resort also offers the ideal balance of activities and relaxation to keep your entire support crew happy. Plus there’s a kids duathlon and a sprint triathlon the day before the main middle distance race. For many, this race falls on the first weekend of half term break for the kids, so you’ll be able to enjoy a longer post-race vacation and enjoy all that Sardinia has to offer.
IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč Croatia
Another stunning Mediterranean getaway with a side of family friendly triathlon is IRONMAN 70.3 Croatia, hosted by the popular tourist town of Poreč. A PB-ready course and (almost) guaranteed warm weather make this a hugely popular choice. After race day, you’ve got plenty to keep you and the family busy. From the sandy beaches to the bustling town; Roman ruins to roam and underground caves packed with history to explore.
Challenge Peguera-Mallorca
Super easy to get to, you can’t go wrong with an October getaway to Mallorca. The middle distance triathlon from Challenge Family takes place in the popular seaside resort of Peguera, on the south-west of the island. Rugged mountains, sandy beaches and plenty of family-friendly activities set the stage for this tough but beautiful race.
IRONMAN 70.3 Portugal
Sadly, this will have to be one for your 2026 to-do list as it’s sold out for 2025. But for future years, a trip out to IRONMAN 70.3 Portugal is worth considering! A popular, family-friendly destination with sunshine (almost) guaranteed. The race course at 70.3 Portugal features a sea swim in a protected bay, followed by a bike course that gives you the best of both worlds as you experience the rolling roads of the Portuguese Riviera before getting to push the pace with a lap of the Estoril Formula 1 circuit. The run course will be lined with spectators as you make your way along the coast – just watch out for those coastal winds! Post-race, you’ve got the choice of relaxing beach vacation or a city break with Lisbon just a short trip away.
Torbay Triathlon
For those in the UK, if you need something a little closer to home to look forward to. Why not take a quick early October weekend break down to Devon for the Torbay Triathlon? Taking place just outside the seaside town of Torquay, we can’t promise you’ll get the balmy Mediterranean weather of Sardinia or Mallorca. But you are at least heading south, so you stand a better chance – right!? Alongside a little escape to the beauty of the UK coast. The Torbay Triathlon is ultra-family friendly. For the grown ups, there’s sprint, supersprint and mixed relay races. And for the future superstars, you’ve got dedicated kids races suitable for ages 5+. And don’t worry, you won’t be braving a sea swim in autumnal October – the swim is in a 25 metre pool. The bike takes place in the velopark and the run is through parkland. A perfect introduction to triathlon for all abilities.
Challenge Barcelona
You might assume this triathlon in the heart of Barcelona hosted by Challenge Family – with short course racing and a new middle distance triathlon on offer – would probably be more suited to grown ups only. But Barcelona is actually surprisingly family-friendly, and it’s certainly not just for culture vultures! Once you’ve enjoyed the experience of getting to swim, bike and run in this iconic city. You and the family can enjoy everything from the wild and wonderful architecture of Gaudi, the thrills of the Tibidabo Amusement Park. The dizzy heights of the Montjuïc Cable Car. There’s even a chocolate museum – the Museu de la Xocolata! And of course, churros aplenty to fuel all those adventures before you all kick back on the beaches and enjoy some R&R.
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