For many, the triathlon race season is coming to an end. The A races have been ticked off, the race kit has been packed away (this is your sign to give your wetsuit a proper rinse, unless you want it to be getting up and walking itself down to the lake next season!) and that glorious finish line feeling is already fading into a distant memory. If you’re coming down with a major case of the end of season blues… it’s time to get planning your 2026 race calendar! Because the only way to get over the post-race slump, is by booking up another race.
We’re bringing you our top picks of the races that you should definitely consider adding to your 2026 to-do list next year. From the fan favourites and the bucket list destination races, to the slightly ‘road less travelled’ triathlons and alternative challenges that are sure to get you feeling fired up and motivated to get stuck into your off season training.
Challenge Taiwan
Taiwan might not be the most obvious race-cation destination, but a trip out to experience the magic of Challenge Taiwan in April is definitely worthy of your 2026 triathlon to-do list. The largest long distance triathlon in Asia, each year the small city of Taitung welcomes ~10,000 triathletes for a true festival of multisport. The course itself is one not to be missed – combining beautiful ocean roads and tropical rainforest for an unforgettable experience. But with a huge expo, incredible atmosphere and an opportunity to experience the warm local hospitality and culture. This race is probably one of the most under-rated, bucket-list worthy long distance triathlons going.
Become a Viking of the North with IRONMAN
Planning to do more than one race next year? Plan a couple of Nordic adventures, and you’ll earn yourself a special Viking of the North medal to level up your bragging rights. If you complete one of the Nordic IRONMAN 70.3s and a full IRONMAN in the same season, you’ll earn your status as a Viking. Start with either IRONMAN 70.3 Elsinore or 70.3 Jönköping and finish with either IRONMAN Copenhagen or IRONMAN Kalmar. As long as you register for both races before mid-July, you’ll have a special Viking of the North badge on your bib number at both races. And once you’ve completed the second race, you’ll be able to collect your Viking medal at the finish line.
Challenge Roth
![The legendary Solarerberg [Photo Christoph Raithel Challenge Roth 2025]](https://www.tri247.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Challenge-Roth-2025-Solarerberg-Photo-by-Christoph-Raithel.jpg)
Obviously we couldn’t create a triathlon to-do list without the Tour de France of triathlon! Do we even need to tell you why you should want to be on that legendary Roth start line? From the insane crowds to the spectacular finish line laser show, there’s no race quite like Roth. And the fact that the first round of online entries sold out in record time – around 18 seconds – tells you everything you need to know. But if you weren’t one of the fortunate fast-fingered triathletes who managed to type their name fast enough to get a spot. There are some alternative ways – you can find out more here.
Swissman XTREME Triathlon
If you’re looking for a next-level challenge, it might be time to take triathlon to the ‘xtreme’. And while Patagonman and Norseman are often the go-tos for intrepid triathletes looking to up the ante. An alternative is the Swissman. As beautiful as it is brutal, this race will truly test your limits.
The swim starts on an Island in the middle of Lake Maggiore. Once you swim 3.8km back to the mainland, the 180km bike course will see you traverse four mountain passes up to 2500m altitude through glaciers, snow fields and past waterfalls. The bike course finishes with a descent down to the shores of Lake Brienz. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve got a nice, flat run course for the 42.2km marathon. What goes down, must go back up in this case. The race finishes with a mountain climb up to Jungfraujoch – otherwise known as the ‘Top of Europe’, 3454m above sea level. You know things are about to get real when it’s mandatory to be accompanied by a support crew member on the run course.
With a total elevation of 5575m, this point to point race is a true adventure. And we’ve not even talked about the wildly unpredictable weather. Race day can bring anything from high heat and humidity, to tumultuous thunderstorms and icy hail showers. For those who dare, entry is via a lottery draw.
Challenge Samarkand
If all that climbing and mountainous terrain isn’t quite your thing, but you still want to do something a little bit different next year. Why not consider Challenge Samarkand as road less travelled destination race? The course sets the stage for fast times – but the rolling bike leg means you won’t ever get bored. And it’s the ultimate way to experience the unique UNESCO World Heritage listed scenery and architecture of this ancient city in Uzbekistan where rich history and centuries of culture are contrasted against the ultra modern Silk Road Samarkand complex.
IRONMAN Vichy
IRONMAN Vichy is BACK in 2026. After a few years hiatus, where only a 70.3 distance race was available, the full 140.6 mile edition returns next year. If you want a hilly race, but you’re not quite ready for the technicality of Nice, this is your ideal choice. The bike course features an incredibly fun climb and a sweeping descent. Meanwhile the run is flat and fast. Vichy itself is a beautiful city to visit, too.
XTERRA Dunsborough – Asia Pacific Championship
If you’re getting tired of TT bikes and tarmac, why not consider taking on an XTERRA triathlon next year instead? A twist on your typical swim-bike-run, these races feature an off road bike leg and a trail run. There are heaps to choose from, with distances and technicality of the terrain varying depending on location. But if you want to combine a race with a vacation, XTERRA Dunsborough is well worth considering. Hosted by a coastal town in Western Australia, the world-class race course has earned it Gold Level status. Expect crystal clear waters for the swim, a technical single track MTB course and a stunning coastal trail run to finish things up. The full distance (1.5km swim, 30.2km bike, 10.5km run) is also the Asia-Pacific championships, with 56 World Championship slots up for grabs. But if you want a shorter race before you get on with exploring Australia, there’s also the option of a sprint distance.
Challenge Barcelona
ICYMI, Challenge Barcelona now features a middle distance triathlon as well as the shorter course racing. And unlike its M-Dot counterpart, Challenge Barcelona actually takes place in the heart of the city. There are seven different distances on offer, making this ideal for a family trip or a getaway with your tri club because there’s a race for every ability. The swim takes place off Mar Bella beach, meanwhile the fast, flat bike course takes you along the coast and through the city – including past the iconic Sagrada Familia. The race is in October, which gives you a full summer to train. Which means this is an ideal choice if you’re aiming for a new middle distance personal best.
IRONMAN Wales
No triathlon to-do list would be complete without the addition of the notorious IRONMAN Wales. Famous as much for the insane race day atmosphere as it is for the insanely tough race course. Triathletes looking to ramp the challenge of a full distance race up a notch should head to the town of Tenby and get ready to slay the dragon.
IRONMAN Cozumel
If escaping the depths of the cold, dark winter in favour of sparkling blue water, sandy beaches and a super fast race course sounds like your thing – end your 2026 season strong and get IRONMAN Cozumel on your race calendar. Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the miles of reefs makes for a spectacular swim experience – just don’t get too distracted by the aquatic life and forget about your race effort! The 3-lap bike course gives you plenty of opportunity to lock in and push the pace, and the flat, spectator-lined run course sets you up for a fast finish. Kick back and relax after your race, with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and beautiful national park land to explore.
None of the above ticking all the boxes? Head over to our Let’s Race… section to find more in-depth race guides to help you plan your 2026 triathlon season.
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