11.4 km swim - 540 km bike - 126.6 km run
Lensahn, 28.07. - Since 1992, the ultra-triathlon scene has been meeting in Lensahn, Schleswig-Holstein, for the Triple Ultra Triathlon, ie three times the Ironman distance . On Friday morning (July 29th) at 7 a.m. sharp, after two years of cancellation due to corona, the starting signal for this extreme race will finally be given again.
Almost 50 athletes tackle the triple long distance every year. In order to be able to take part in the Lensahn Ultra Triathlon at all, the athletes must have at least one successful long-distance finish from the last two years.
No problem with the route organization
The question of where and how the routes for such an ultra-distance can be managed at all is easy to answer:
11.4 km swimming in the outdoor pool
Swimming takes place in the outdoor pool in Lensahn - a total of 228 lanes of 50m each have to be completed. Lanes are counted by the race director.
540km of cycling on an 8km commute
The bike course is an approx. 8km turning point course, which the participants have to ride 68 times.
126.6 km run on a 1.3 km circuit
A running lap leads generously around the competition area and is 1.3 kilometers. This round is completed 98 times.
How long does it take the athletes to do this?
The Pole Robert Karas set the best time for the Triple Ultra in 2018 with 30:48:57 hours. For women, the German ultra-triathlete Mareile Hertel holds the course record (2019) with 37:18:17 hours.
On average, however, the athletes are on the road for around 47 hours (men) and 49 hours (women). This means that after the starting gun on Friday morning, most athletes only reach the finish line on Sunday.
supervisor allowed
In all three disciplines, persons accompanying the athletes are allowed to offer drinks, food and clothing, and when cycling they can also help with repairs.
Additionally: First Double Ultra and 24h run
This year, in addition to the established Triple Ultra, the first Double Ultra will also take place over double the Ironman distance: 7.6 km swimming (152 lanes) - 360 km cycling (45 laps) - 84.2 km running (66 laps). The starting signal is here on Friday (29.07.) at 12 noon.
Also in the program is a 24-hour run, which has been part of the "supporting program" of the Triple Ultra Triathlon since 2016. Start: Friday (07/29) at 8 p.m.
We wish all participants a successful race!
