The most awaited race of the year gathers elite triathletes and thousands of fans.
This Sunday, November 3, Barcelona will become the epicenter of international triathlon with the celebration of the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 on the Mar Bella beach. With more than 70 professional triathletes from around the world, including five Olympians, the event promises to be one of the most outstanding sporting events of the year. Registrations, which are already close to the 3,500-participant limit, demonstrate the growing interest in this event, which has managed to consolidate its place on the world triathlon calendar.
This year’s TRIEXPO, the triathlon trade show, will attract more than 20 industry-leading brands and is expected to attract around 8,000 visitors during the competition weekend. From the latest equipment to the latest trends in nutrition and technology for triathletes, TRIEXPO offers a complete experience for those passionate about the sport.
Participation of top-level athletes, with five Olympians on the scene
One of the main attractions of this edition is the participation of five Olympic athletes, who will compete alongside other elite triathletes. Among the prominent names are European champions and medalists in mixed relay of the Olympic Games, who come to Barcelona in search of beating their best records in a renewed and exciting circuit. With a notable international presence, the event will feature athletes from more than 50 countries and 25% foreign participation, reflecting the global prestige that Challenge Barcelona has gained over time. In addition, the female participation maintains its record at 30% of the total, consolidating the growing attraction of this sport for women.
A renewed tour for a unique experience on the coast of Barcelona
In its new edition, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon offers a completely revamped run course that promises to be both fast and visually spectacular. Triathletes will enjoy a linear course, with fewer 180º turns, making it easier to maintain pace and improve times. The course skirts the Mediterranean coastline and passes iconic Barcelona landmarks such as the Bogatell promenade, Nova Icaria beach, Barceloneta and the renovated Port Olímpic, offering competitors a unique view of the city. This new course provides an ideal environment for athletes to not only compete, but also experience the beauty of Barcelona as they strive for their goals. Depending on the modality, participants will have to complete different laps of the course:
- Short: 3 laps
- Olympic: 2 laps
- Sprint and Aquathlon: 1 lap
- Junior Challenge: 1 lap on a specific track
The event’s sporting director emphasized that this new course combines speed and iconic views, making every step a memorable experience.
Options for all: various modalities and distances
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon offers distances and modalities for every level, allowing participants of all categories to join the competition. From novice to professional athletes, everyone finds an opportunity to challenge themselves and experience the thrill of this event:
- Short: 1,500 m swimming, 56 km cycling and 15 km running.
- Olympic: 1,500 m swimming, 40 km cycling and 10 km running.
- Sprint: 750 m swimming, 20 km cycling and 5 km running.
- Aquathlon: 500 m swimming and 5 km running.
- Junior Challenge: 300 m swimming, 9 km cycling and 1.5 km running.
In addition, the Sprint and Olympic modalities can be carried out in relay format, allowing team participation. Thus, triathletes have the option to compete both individually and in groups, sharing the experience with friends or family.
Inclusion and diversity: a test for everyone
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon is also an inclusive event, opening its doors to athletes with special needs. Through the Triatló Sense Fronteres project, people with intellectual disabilities have been prepared in a specific training program to face the challenge. This initiative, in collaboration with the Fundació la Caixa and the ACELL Federation, ensures that athletes can compete on equal terms, demonstrating that sport is for everyone and breaking down barriers. This commitment to inclusion has made the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon a reference model for other sporting events, showing how sport can integrate and transform lives.
TRIEXPO: the biggest triathlon trade show of the year
As the perfect complement to triathlon, TRIEXPO is set to be the largest triathlon trade show in Barcelona to date. Open on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2, the show will bring together the best exponents of equipment, nutrition and technology for triathletes. With free admission, this is a unique opportunity for fans to learn about the latest innovations in the market and enjoy exclusive discounts. TRIEXPO is also a meeting point for triathletes and brands, allowing attendees to discover innovative products and prepare for the big day of competition. This edition is expected to attract 8,000 people, reflecting the impact and popularity of triathlon in Barcelona.
An event that elevates Barcelona as the triathlon capital of the world
With the growing participation of triathletes from all over the world, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon has consolidated its position as one of the most important international competitions. The presence of Olympic athletes, female participation and commitment to social inclusion have made Barcelona a global reference in the world of triathlon. This event not only offers a high-level sporting experience, but has also become a platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of inclusive sport. Each edition is an opportunity for Barcelona to showcase its sporting and welcoming spirit, attracting thousands of people who, in addition to competing, enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the city. With the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon, the city reaffirms its position as a benchmark in the organization of sporting events of global impact.
