10 Triathlons You MUST DO Before You Die!

From the cold waters of the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon to the stunning french mountains of the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, we give you the lowdown on why our top 10 picks are too good to miss! Mark and James tell us about the world's best triathlons that are a must have on your racing bucket list! 🏊🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Escape From Alcatraz
1:29 - Sgrail 100 Gravel
2:29 - Challenge Laguna Phuket
3:49 - Norseman Xtreme
5:17 - Challenge Wanaka Festival
6:04 - Alpe D'Huez
7:29 - Noosa
8:23 - Xterra
9:27 - Embrunman
10:26 - Challenge Roth
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Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images
Footage courtesy of...
Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon - www.escapealcatraztri.com/
Challenge Laguna Phuket Triathlon - www.lagunaphukettri.com/
Challenge Wanaka Festival Triathlon - www.challenge-wanaka.com/
Alpe D'Huez Triathlon - www.alpetriathlon.com/?lang=en
Noosa Triathlon - noosatri.com.au/
Xterra Triathlon - www.xterraplanet.com/
Embrunman Triathlon - www.embrunman.com/en/
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound / Artlist 🎵
Bed of Nails - Splasher!
Break Times - Phello
Five Below (Ooyy Remix) (Instrumental Version) - Torii Wolf
Flagship - Jules Gaia
Lost in Mind - nothanks
Mr. C-137 - Basixx
never mind - dreem
Sweet Summer Love - Rocket Jr
The Days We Remember - Dye O
Unravel (Instrumental Version) - Zorro
Wither Away - dreem
#gtn #triathlon #swimbikerun #swim #bike #run #top10 #bucketlist
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[@gtn]

Would you try one of our top 10 picks? 🏊🚴‍♀🏃‍♂

[@askhatashimov7250]

Absolutely!! Thanks guys!! You’re the best!! All the best luck to you and continue what you doing!! 🎉

[@philipcollier_]

Love your top 10 picks! I'm chuffed to say I can tick off one of the bucket list top 10... Xterra, specifically Xterra Grabouw in South Africa. It was - at one point - the biggest Xterra in the world. Epic vibe!! Sgrail 100 Gravel looks fantastic. I would choose Roth over IM Kona and Nice!

[@philipcollier_]

Here's an idea. How about you guys pop down to sunny South Africa next year and do Xterra in February and then the Cape Epic in March 😀

[@gtn]

@@philipcollier_ we'll see what we can do 🤔

[@justinhatcher8278]

Getting ready to turn 40 and trying to convince myself it’s not too late to do my first triathlon. The Alcatraz event could be a goal to work towards.

[@MaartenCaminada]

Doing Escape from Alcatraz this year and two weeks later Challenge Roth (for the second time). Yes, it's going to be an awesome year! I concur the Patagonman should be in here as well.

[@gtn]

Big year ahead then! 👀

[@umihura]

I managed to get a slot for Challenge Roth for 2023. It will be my first full distance event!

[@gtn]

Nice one! How is the training going? 🙌

[@umihura]

​@@gtn The structured plan just started this week. As you can imagine, it has all the tests in it. I needed to do critical swim speed as I measured bike and run thresholds in the lab in Amsterdam. I also plan to participate in Paris-Brest-Paris, so the training will be very bike-focused.

[@francescodeglinnocenti6230]

see you there Vova! Same thing for me, first full

[@pieterbasten8125]

Me too! First full one in Roth!

[@umihura]

See you, guys, there! We can form a social group for psychological support :)

[@deonjvn]

I managed to get an entry into the Norseman 2023, so looking forward to that, also doing my first 140.6 in March, South Africa. And by the way, Love your Channel!

[@gtn]

Sounds like it's going to be a big year. 🙌Norseman is amazing 💥

[@kevingregory-evans6285]

Norseman in your first year of full distance racing? 😮

[@deonjvn]

@@kevingregory-evans6285 They say there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity 😇. The Norseman is 4 months after my first Ironman attempt, so hopefully I can carry all the gains into the Norseman.

[@kevingregory-evans6285]

@@deonjvn brave guy 👍👍

[@marcuswills6569]

Took me about 4months to get over my first 140.6 🤣

[@andrewgilmour530]

Love the vid. I’ve been lucky enough to do Noosa twice now and can confirm it’s a great triathlon. Coming back on the ride is a descent where I managed to get up to 90km/hr. So fun! You’ve inspired me to look into Xterra triathlons now 😮

[@jascollinscork]

Watching Marks Norseman was unreal!! I’ll watch it again now 😀!! Bigger question is what one of these will GTN be doing 🤔🙏🏻🤞🏻😀

[@gtn]

What one should we be doing? 👀

[@jascollinscork]

@gtn escape from Alcatraz please!! Viewing would be off the charts for that!! Otherwise just come to Ironman Ireland in my local town 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@coachjohn]

An up and coming amazing race is Ironman Blue Ridge 70.3. Swim in a lake with no modern access except the transition area. Ride up Bear Claw Climb, the steepest and hardest climb in all IM racing and then along the closed to traffic Blue Ridge Parkway with spectacular views that literally make you want to stop and gaze in amazement. Finally a almost dead flat double out and back run along the Ronoke River. Definately a bucket list race

[@gtn]

Sounds like one big effort! Maybe not one for PBs with all those views 🏔

[@benediktschueller7718]

Nice one. Love Helvellyn Triathlon which is beautiful and challenging - and a more palatable distance for me.

[@remyj1512]

Doing the Alpes d'huez this summer (my hometown), doing a triathlon at home with family and friend is the best way to enjoy it 🚴🏿

[@VanillaSky23ffm]

Happy to have done LPT Phuket three times, Challenge Roth Twice and Alpe D’Huez once, all three are amongst my favorite ever races and can fully understand why they are on your list. 🎉

[@matthewfeatherstone2539]

Watched this and have entered the Alpe d'huez duathlon for this year. (tri was sold out 😢) can't wait!

[@xzyth4079]

Did Noosa in 2022 and have tickets for this year. Highly recommended.

[@follystone]

I couldn’t argue against any of these picks, but if I had to select just 1 race for a bucket list it would be Patagonman

[@Aniara64]

Do a winter triathlon! That should be on your bucketlist. Maybe see you in Skeikampen in march this year?

[@SBoots29]

I'm an old Triathlete from the Canadian prairies and although these would be great to go to I think I would only be able to do the volunteer part of it. Beautiful to see this though. I just have to be happy with my flat land races. They do bring me enjoyment. Good luck to all individuals who challenge your top 10.

[@gtn]

Anyone that completes all 10 will get extra GTN points... points = kudos 🙌

[@TheHollymartiniosos]

I'm definitely putting Noosa Tri on my list, I love only 70km from that place and didn't know it's that so famous 🙈😅

[@JulianSchepp]

I highly recommend the Ventouxman in the France Provence area. It is a heart blood organized event, and the cycling leg ends on the top of the legendary white giant of the provence; there is also the challenging trail run. It is not easy event but soul-feeding. The best they have their own wine series and chocolate during the run split. I was so amazed that I did it twice!

[@healthylifeactivities3792]

Completed one of these ‘Escape From Alcatraz’ Fancy another 3 of them 😊😊😊 Would certainly add Llanelli Sprint 😮

[@s3mpergumby]

An Xterra sounds fun. And I grew up a bit away from SF, so Escape From Alcatraz was on my list. I actually slept in a cell there once on a Boy Scout trip.

[@gtn]

Sounds like an amazing trip 🙌 Do you think you'll take on Alcatraz some day?

[@rickybricks5087]

Mont Tremblant, the race is standard and beautiful like so many races. The town and people make the experience exceptional.

[@jesusalfaro6185]

Not a challenge but a great experience: participate the Chicago Tri. Swim in Lake Michigan. Cycle throughout Lake Shore Drive and in LOWER WACKER DRIVE (speed and darkness) Run south of Lake Michigan

[@oscarisoz5970]

I would add Ultratri Sweden to that list. The first swim is epic, standing on a pile of gravel and barely see the island, where you will make the only turn of the 9 km swim... then it continues with amazing biking and running from the west coast of Sweden to Stockholm on the east coast

[@karolnehring6988]

Also HardaSuka in Poland/Slovakia is worth mentioning ;) The event that was created to be even harder than Norseman

[@gtn]

Harder than Norseman!!!! Mark... you better start training 😈

[@karolnehring6988]

@@gtn the idea for this triathlon was born when one man could not afford Norseman. So his friends organized ultratriathlon in Tatry mountains ;) Same but harder.

[@chevystuffs5971]

This year will be my second time doing the Escape. Get on it boys!

[@chrisstrider]

Great video Kona is not the only ikon of triathlon

[@savagepro9060]

it has lost it's luster

[@Tagasurfer]

Have only checked off 3. I need to get out more. 😁

[@winklertribe5268]

What a fun video! Yes, my goal is to complete an XTERRA triathlon…. I just gave to get the swimming efficiency & speed dialed in!

[@mr-triathlon]

You'll get there! 👍

[@plebianpicasso7027]

Xterra's are a blast. My favorite multi-sport.

[@crazyniknik]

Doing the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon this June!

[@chevystuffs5971]

See ya then! it's AMAZING.

[@chadtilley8796]

Himalayan Rush in Nepal was amazing when they held it and Adventure Triathlons in Myanmar/ Burma - the best!

[@JoonaSaluveer]

Done Roth and Escape. Would add Kona (did in 2018) :) and the unfortunately now cancelled Ironman Alaska (did in 2022). Amazing. Always wanted to do Challenge Wanaka and Norseman but one is too far and the other too cold. Although, after 2022 IMAK, nothing seems impossible no more

[@VanLifeTriathlon]

Shoutout to GTN for including footage of me racing in the pros race at Escape From Alcatraz but also listing my Ironman World Champs comment as an AG comment in the GTN show 😅

[@allanfoster6965]

I think any of them would end up with me in a bucket!

[@DaveStecker]

Doing any of these would be incredible. Your next video will have to build off of this one: How to convince your spouse to let you do a bucket list triathlon. Any tips appreciated here. 😆

[@dennissilva525]

Patagonman looks amazing

[@andyheilmann1656]

I'm not doing the Alcatraz race yet, but I'm signed up for the Escape the Cape race in New Jersey, in the States. I'm so excited to jump off that ferry!!

[@gtn]

Nice one Andy, have you got your eyes on Alcatraz? 👀

[@andyheilmann1656]

@@gtn eventually

[@chevystuffs5971]

I grew up in Cape May and have completed Alcatraz. Hope you are ready for the hot and humid Jersey shore. Alcatraz is amazing. Hope you make it there!

[@mr.w4097]

Cool list which I agree with but you can‘t leave Kona as it‘s the one which counts most for many triathletes. As a 🇨🇭I would add Inferno Triathlon and Hamburg is one of the best olympic distance race

[@zimen0007]

I would add HARDA SUKA to that list. One of the hardest triathlon in polish high mountains.

[@markthrelfall3577]

Cool. I’ll have to check that out

[@jamiefuhrman403]

Surprised Kona didn't make it? Would be curious to hear James' perspective on how it compares to the other excellent selections on this list.

[@jamescunnamaGTN]

As a destination and as an experience with the whole triathlon world in one place, and racing the best in the world, Kona is a bucket list experience. As a race, it's an achievement to finish, but not a very enjoyable race - long highway miles on the bike and run with no spectators and brutal heat. All the reward of Kona is in overcoming and finishing, not in experiencing the race. If I was paying for a enjoyable, memorable triathlon, I'd pay to go to one of the top 10 on this list. ...I'd maybe put Kona 11th on the list.

[@jamiefuhrman403]

@@jamescunnamaGTN thank you! Appreciate the perspective and good to know as far as pure races go, you wouldn’t rank it higher than the others.

[@stefanhowe2797]

I have done 8 Noosa Tri's and I can say it is the MOST EXPENSIVE Event you will Ever do - more than a 70.3 Ironman Event (Mooloolaba same Olympic Distance is Half the Price!). Hotels Price gauge you with a minimum of 5 night stays at Top High end rates. The course is packed and dangerous and one that I can not recommend at all. Yes it is the biggest event but 1 that more people are pulling away from than going back to do it again - normally over 50% new people doing it!

[@MKD1991]

Castle Triathlon Malbork!!!! Distances from 1/8 to full IM. Swimming in front of the biggest castle in Europe, running around the castle. Flat bike good for PB results... however often windy.

[@gtn]

Sounds epic 🙌 Should we send one of the team?

[@MKD1991]

@@gtn why not :) He/she will have fun and maybe PB as bike is flat. I started there on IM distance and I can surely recomend this race!

[@jaegermeister1516]

#gtncoachescorner : Hey guys, firstly, keep up the good work, always enjoy your content! I have a question: how long before my race should I switch to some more expensive, higher grade race fuel in order to train my gut? I plan on racing the half distance Frankfurt triathlon in August and was wondering, if I ought to switch at a certain point (maybe 2 months before the race) and potentially save some money up until then, using a cheaper product to fuel training sessions. Thanks in advance and greetings from Germany

[@iggalan]

I’m doing the Sgrail100 for sure if it doesn’t sell out, I didn’t know about it and I have a been going very near Girona each summer for 40 years 😅

[@larsconrad6752]

Lavaman, Hawaii on big island!

[@miguelbrito7099]

You left out the Patagonman in Chile...

[@gebtmirschuld]

Solar mountain. Once in a lifetime experience.

[@jonathanzappala]

Hmm the big one seems to be missing? I guess it will never be checked off on most people’s lists.

[@j19961126]

Formosa Xtreme Triathlon in Taiwan🔥 Definitely one of the toughest and most spectacular triathlon!!!

[@markthrelfall3577]

I’ll take a look at that 😁

[@stephenneal23]

I would sell my soul to do Norseman, but it's not looking financially viable any time soon. I will probably do Escape from Alcatraz within the next decade.

[@claudiabuitrago5276]

What about Patagonman in Chile?

[@dlhazlick]

Challenge Roth for my 60th birthday!!

[@troycollett8540]

Cairns Ironman is pretty epic

[@netanellevenson3594]

What about celtman? One of the toughest out there but gorgeous scenery

[@challengeroth]

❤❤❤

[@grahambell9831]

Hello Team Roth 👋. You are without doubt, the best triathlon in Europe! Best of luck for your 2023 event 👍 (Graham Bell, 2019 age group competitor).

[@challengeroth]

@@grahambell9831 thank you Graham! Hope to see you again at the finishline here in Roth soon❤️

[@jobanski]

I realize you both are retired, but it would be cool if either did the “escape from Alcatraz” tri.

[@GregBecker]

I thought you had a good list... For a bucket list, I would certainly include 1 ITU Worlds (Olympic distance - represent your country) and 2 Ironman 70.3 World Champs 3 Ironman World Champs in Kona and 4 a long distance event in Nice - for the history...

[@DigininjaRobin]

Xterra UK this year and Roth next year. Just have to pick another one to catch up with Mark.

[@markthrelfall3577]

I was hoping to do XTERRA uk 😉

[@DigininjaRobin]

@@markthrelfall3577 was hoping to or are going to? Put it in the diary and come and have some fun.

[@shaunjasper5465]

@@markthrelfall3577 what type of bike is best to use for xterra UK? Is it mountain bike or gravel bike? Also if mountain bike which type of mountain bike, XC? Sorry, that's a lot of bike questions

[@Tatterist]

Can we have a UK Top 10 for those in the UK that do not want to fly please?

[@mikew6840]

Pity triathlon isn’t better supported and publicised nationally in South Africa - James was shredding the big ones around the world to rather limited local acclaim and appreciation outside of the awesome tri community - 💪 🇿🇦.

[@nightsfalling]

I know a lot of people want to do Norseman or Patagon man or any of the extreme triathlons but I have no desire to do that. I can’t stand cold weather. Ironman distance on a regular weather is my extreme. Other than that I would like to do all the other races on this video.

[@gtn]

The cold isn't for everyone! It makes it even more impressive when people take on these challenges 🤯

[@Aniara64]

Or do Ironman Lahti, race in the midnight sun!

[@MartinLeib]

The Brutal - Snowdon triathlon. A double full distance triathlon with Snowdon mountain to run up after seriously hilly bike!

[@markthrelfall3577]

Ohhh yes, I am well aware of this one. Yikes

[@finishstrong3044]

@@markthrelfall3577 I was walking Snowdon when they were doing this! I run a small charity and it was a bit scary as I am doing another Half Ironman this year , then my first full ironman next year. But seeing them do a DOUBLE up Snowdon....yikes! Want to join me in 2 years??

[@3WalkingPoles]

The title should be "10 ways to die in triathlon" 😉

[@gtn]

That was our back up...The GTN health and safety team weren't fans 😂

[@foxfoster1]

quick note about the timestamp: Sgrail is marked as :29 but its actually 1:29

[@georgepatterson856]

Himalayan XTri, look it up.

[@mvschooten]

How about Ironman 70.3 Zell am See?

[@jonathanzappala]

Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, Mt Washington road race, ride alp d’huez; I’ve done those, leaves me with the dopey challenge of Walt Disney World Marathon. Ok none of those involve more than one sport at a time.

[@kevingregory-evans6285]

No Ironman branded races 😉

[@stevenleslie8354]

True, but Noosa is an ironman owned race.

[@rustyheyman214]

Good list then

[@savagepro9060]

@@rustyheyman214 hahahahahah . . . nice one

[@patrickclaybaugh4443]

#11 Ultraman

[@byronparis7583]

Nothing from the Xtreme tri series 😮

[@mehdiwermuth3063]

N°0 -> Swissman ;)

[@grahambell9831]

For me gents, Embruman in Europe👍 and Alcatraz in 🇺🇸👌

[@gtn]

Great choices! Have you done both? 👀

[@grahambell9831]

@@gtn Hello gents, not crossed the finish line on these 2 events, definitely on my wish list! Like Mark I have completed 3 from GTNs top 10. From the 3 I have competed in, Roth was the standout. The crowds, the organisation, the course, and Solar hill.......who would ever forget that climb? For us age gropuers, thats the closet we'll get to experiencing a queen stage in the mountains in the tour de france......WOW! WOW! WOW! It will live long in my memory. Great discussion topic point GTN👍Have a great weekend!

[@jeromeibanez2891]

I personally prefer the Alpsman over the Alpe D'Huez!

[@markthrelfall3577]

Will have to check that one out

[@fernandofernandez4211]

No Patagonman on the list??

[@Rpcustodio7]

Celtman??

[@pixel_95]

Ironman 70.3 Hawaii

[@GabrielArauj]

Patagonman

[@anerdwitdacamera204]

For a sec I thought you two are twins 😅

[@gtn]

We'll take that as a compliment 😂

[@ashleyrobota527]

Laguna Phuket Triathlon is not run by Challenge anymore. Just fyi.

[@davidlane8811]

I so so so wanted to Ironman Alaska. Those cowards canceled it!!!

[@matthewlivingston8783]

GTN Escapes from Alcatraz??!

[@ii8syedahmad902]

Someday by God's grace