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Rolling green hills. Historic streets echoing centuries of culture. A reservoir swim framed by pines. And a 100km age-group course that promises to be as scenic as it is challenging. Welcome to the 2026 Spain T100 – the third stop on the T100 Triathlon World Tour and the first in Europe.
Set in and around the new-for-2026 venue of Pamplona, the capital of northern Spain’s Navarra region, this event combines a one-of-a-kind long-distance format with local culture, vibrant community support and a chance to race hard before summer arrives.
So whether you’re chasing personal bests, world championship qualification slots or a memorable race weekend in northern Spain, here’s the low-down on what to expect.
Location - Why race Spain T100?
Set in the heart of northern Spain, Pamplona is best known globally for its historic old town and famous San Fermín encierro – the bull run (7-14 July, in 2026).
Of course the route will be cleared of cattle for the actual race, and once your race is done and dusted there’s plenty to explore in this enchanting medieval city. From its grand cathedral and 16th-century fortifications to lush parks and lively bars and restaurants, there’s something to suit all interests and enthusiasts. The city also welcomes many pilgrims arriving on foot along the Camino de Santiago, a tradition that dates back many centuries.
For endurance athletes the city and the surrounding region offers gorgeous countryside training routes, tranquil reservoir swims and a race route that blends rural beauty with city spectacle.
The event also doubles as part of the Spanish National Championships for age-groupers. And with 10 slots per age-group on offer for the 2026 World Championship Final in Qatar, in December, there’s extra incentive to bring your A-race performance.
You’ll be doing the same course on the same day as the T100 pros, so they’ll be plenty of opportunity to compare notes on how they tackle it.. Pamplona is the third Spanish destination to host a pro T100 race after Ibiza in 2024 and Oropesa del Mar in 2025 (following a relocation from Valencia). For 2026, Navarra-Pamplona will host a women-only elite event – one of a number of revisions to the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour format, which also included the removal of season-long contract commitments and increased event prize money.
Why race... Navarra-Pamplona, Spain
Unlike flat, seaside T100 courses, Spain T100 offers undulating and strategic terrain changes that demand strength, rhythm and tactical pacing. It’s a race for athletes who love variety, scenic roads and a finish through a historic city that lives and breathes sport.
Course - The Course Breakdown
The T100 distance
The PTO’s signature 100km distance combines intensity and endurance:
- 2km swim
- 80km bike
- 18km run
It’s long enough to test every discipline but short enough to reward aggressive pacing and strategic racing, making Spain T100 equally attractive to seasoned long-course athletes and those stepping up from Olympic distance.
In addition to the 100km race, there’s also a 10km run event that weaves through Pamplona’s historic streets, perfect for supporters and non-triathletes who want to soak up the race-week vibes.
Swim - 2km
The 2km swim takes place in the cool, scenic waters of Alloz Reservoir. Expect calm conditions, crystal clear freshwater and a single-loop layout. What to expect: • Freshwater reservoir setting • Calm, relatively cool conditions • A relaxed, spectator-friendly start/finish area
BIke - 80km
The 80km bike leg features a point-to-point route from Alloz into Pamplona, with undulating terrain rather than flat roads. It’s a course that rewards strong power management, well-paced climbing, and precise descending skills. What to expect: • Scenic rural roads with rolling hills • Technical sections sprinkled with long, flowy stretches • Opportunity to make time on both climbs and descents
Run - 18km
The 18km run meanders through the streets and boulevards of Pamplona’s medieval centre. Like the bike course it’s undulating in design, and is as much a test of positioning and focus as one of speed. Expect plenty of crowd support as locals and visitors alike line the streets to cheer you home. What to expect: • Rolling city terrain • Historic atmosphere and vibrant race finish • Supportive spectators through key sectors
Travel & accommodation
- Nearest airport: Pamplona Airport (regional)
- Alternative: Bilbao Airport or Madrid Barajas Airport (both well connected by train/bus)
- Transport: Rail and coach links to Pamplona plus race-day shuttles typically offered
- Accommodation: A mix of historic city hotels, boutique stays and countryside lodges
- Language: Spanish (English widely understood around race venues)
- Safety: Easy to navigate, safe and athlete-friendly
- Bike transport is straightforward and local roads are rider-friendly – perfect for pre-race reconnaissance and easy spin-outs
Race-cation - Race like a pro – Sara Pérez Sala
Race like a pro – Sara Pérez Sala
Spanish pro and T100 podium finisher Sara Pérez Sala will be lining up in Pamplona in May – here’s why…
Why are you excited to race in Pamplona?
I think the most beautiful part of the race will be the swim course in the lake, and the most emotional part [will be] the run course – in the same place as Sanfermines [the week-long festival in Pamplona that includes the “Running of the Bulls” (encierro)] – full of people cheering.
Why should people want to race in Pamplona at Spain T100?
Pamplona is a place where there are a lot of people cheering and the atmosphere is amazing. I think that for people who will race T100 it will be an amazing experience.
What does it mean to race in Spain? And for the pro race to be the women’s?
I think that if young girls can see a pro field like T100, racing in their home, it’s inspiring for them to race triathlon or practise sport (generally).
Sara’s three tips for triathlon training
- Enjoy all of the seasons – enjoy every training session, enjoy every race.
- Be consistent – train a little bit every day rather than train one week, no training the next week.
- Be good with yourself – take time for your family, for you, for training, for racing, to balance all the things in your life.
Why do you like T100?
In T100 there are the best athletes in the world. The races are amazing, the circuits are beautiful and sometimes super hard, but there are always people cheering you on.
And finally, talk us through Wollongong, guiding Susana Rodríguez to the PTVI world title and then getting your first T100 podium later that same day.
The first race was really important with Susi because the goal was to win the world title. After that I focussed on my race, and during the race it was good, the same as other races – during the run course I didn’t understand, I could run super fast and I was in second position and I didn’t understand – it was super fun!
The race-day conditions
May in northern Spain typically delivers pleasant early summer conditions. Think cool mornings, warm afternoons and generally stable weather. The swim is usually brisk, but the bike and run feel comfortable for sustained efforts without the extremes of heat you might find further south in summer.
Stay hydrated, plan nutrition around the rolling terrain, and embrace the varied pacing the course demands.
The triathlon community in Pamplona
Triathlon has deep roots in Spain, and Navarra boasts active local clubs and passionate volunteers. Pamplona has also hosted the Half Triathlon Pamplona-Iruña since 2015, so is well-versed in bringing together thousands of triathletes for a true celebration of multisport on a spectacular course.
The race has progressively grown in prestige, attracting leading Spanish and international triathletes and gaining recognition within the professional circuit, including its status as a ranking event for the Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO).
The definitive leap onto the international stage came when the race played host to the 2025 European Middle Distance Triathlon, Aquabike and Aquathlon Championships – an event that brought together more than 1,400 athletes from 23 countries and established the city as the European capital of triathlon for a weekend.
Who should race?
- Age-groupers seeking world championship slots
- Long-course athletes stepping up from Olympic distances
- Competitors craving a challenging, scenic course
- Anyone after a European, long-course highlight in late spring
Spain T100 is more than just a race – it’s a two-day celebration of endurance, culture and sporting heritage with friendly athletes from around the world, live music, community runs and social events that make it far more than just a start gun and finish line. So if you’re after a well-organised, scenic and challenging long-course experience in Europe, this race deserves a prime spot on your 2026 calendar.
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