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Taking place in Australia’s iconic capital city, nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, Challenge Canberra middle distance triathlon is set in the world’s most sustainable city. With beautiful forest trails, multiple outdoor pools and miles and miles of quiet country roads, it’s no surprise that Canberra is also Australia’s most active city, too.
Hundreds of athletes descend on the capital in November to take part in the triathlon, soaking up the incredible culture and history as they swim in Lake Burley Griffin, ride through the beautiful National Arboretum and run through famous landmarks such as the Commonwealth Park and Commonwealth Bridge, and past Parliament House.
And at the end of the race, rejoice and refuel in one of the many delicious restaurants – or why not take a trip to a local vineyard?
Location - Soak up the culture
One of the most exciting courses in Australia, Challenge Canberra takes in landmark after landmark as you swim, bike and run your way around the scenic and culture-packed city.
Just a three hour drive from Sydney or a short 6 km drive from Canberra Airport, travelling to the race should be quite smooth for local and international athletes alike – and will certainly be worth the long flight if you’re travelling from far afield.
Canberra is Australia’s eighth largest city, with great connection links from the airport and in the city itself, so it isn’t imperative that you have a car – unless you want to go exploring. There are plenty of hotels and apartments in the city, and the official race hotel, Abode Hotels, offers discounted room rates to Challenge Canberra athletes.
If you stay near the centre, shops, cafes and delicious restaurants are all within walking distance. Braddon neighbourhood is home to several award-winning restaurants, with everything from Italian to modern Australian cuisine. If you’re a fan of Asian food then head to Dickson, known as the Chinatown of the city, where you can find delicious dumplings and warming bowls of Pho.
If you’re arriving a few weeks before the race, there are plenty of places to train in the city, with over 100km of undulating scenic roads and off-road trails, including the 20km path around Lake Burley Griffin. If you want some altitude training, you’re just 1 hour 30 minutes from Jindabyne, where you can visit the NSW snow fields.
Course - Rolling hills and a fast, flat run
Challenge Canberra is now hosted from stunning Black Mountain Peninsula, a scenic and spectator-friendly location. Expect a calm, sheltered swim, rolling bike course and a beautiful lakeside run.
Swim - 1.9KM
After the change of race venue for 2025, the 1.9km swim now takes place in calm waters off the Black Mountain Peninsula. Super spectator friendly, your support crew can line the shore and watch from start to finish.
BIke - 90KM
The new 90km bike course takes you on smooth, fast roads on the famous Parks Way stretch between Glenloch Interchange and Kings Avenue Bridge. With a rolling course profile, this course is fast yet honest. A challenge that rewards strong bike legs, but with plenty of PB potential.
Run - 21KM
The new run course is a lakeside affair, taking you on two laps within the Black Mountain Peninsula and surrounding paths. Aside from a few gentle rises, the course is mainly flat so you can really push the pace while you enjoy the spectacular lake views and soak up the atmosphere from the spectators.
Spectators - Support around every corner
With so many viewing points on the routes, it’s hard to beat the atmosphere of this race. Spectators who can watch the whole swim from the shore and then line the run course to bring the party vibes as athletes tick off the miles and race to the finish line.
Race-cation - Stay for the culture (and community)
Whether you’ve travelled from overseas or made the journey from another area of Australia, surely it makes sense to stay and do some exploring…there is plenty to experience close to Canberra, whether you stay and visit some of the museums and galleries, grab bikes and wind along the forest trails, go for a bimble in the bushland or taste your way around the bustling neighbourhood of delicious delights. For something totally different, take a trip out to Mount Majura Vineyard, a boutique vineyard for natural wines.
If you’re with the family or have children with you, there are some great local activities you can do too, like visiting the National Zoo & Aquarium, with a whole host of animals from red pandas to rhinos. Feed the giraffes, watch the white lions bask in the sun, and enjoy a picnic in one of the dedicated areas. Another great place is Gold Creek Village, a wonderland for small children, where they can visit the dinosaur museum, take a walk through the miniature gardens and join a treasure hunt, too.
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