Wondering what the easiest ironman race in the UK is? You’re in the right place! Unfortunately there are not as many full distance events in the UK as there were before covid, but given the very real surge in official Ironman event entries this year, I would be surprised if a few independent events didn’t pop up in the next year or two to accommodate those who can’t get a place in an IRONMAN event.
I’m also going to take a moment to touch on what makes an event easy in my eyes. To start with, I’m looking for a freshwater swim that is very unlikely to end up with wetsuits banned. I’m also going to give preference to races with a flat bike and run course. No matter how fast you are up hills, you are slower than you would be on the flat.
It’s also worth noting that what makes a race easy or difficult depends on the individual, so what may be incredibly challenging for some others could take in their stride.
So, let’s have a look at the easiest UK ironman events
Outlaw Original Nottingham
A staple in the UK calendar for several years now, this is a flat, fast race based at Holme Pierrepont lake in Nottingham. The swim has never come close to being non wetsuit, and they even have an exemption from British Triathlon to keep wetsuits all the way up to 25 degrees celsius.
The bike is gently rolling (you can’t find 180KM of flat roads in the UK) and the run is very flat around the perimeter of the lake. As such you will be very exposed to the sun on a July afternoon during the run, so there is the chance of overheating if you are sensitive to high temperatures.
When all’s said and done, the Outlaw will likely be the event of choice for those looking for the gentlest introduction to the distance possible. Its relatively central location also helps it draw crowds every year.
Learn more and enter here: https://outlawtriathlon.com/outlaw-original/outlaw-full
The Northumbrian
A newer ironman distance event in the UK, this takes place (shockingly) in Northumbria. It consist of a lake swim, and just over 1000M of climbing on the bike and, unusual, a one lap run course on trails.
As the event s held in late June you can be confident of temperatures which are high enough for you to spend all day in a trisuit, but hopefully not enough to cause you to wilt towards the end of the run.
The trail element of the run may be off-putting for some, but as it is primarily on hard packed, flat trails it shouldn’t be a hurdle to entry for most people.
IRONMAN Leeds
Some of you may be wondering how Leeds made it onto this list. The fact of the matter is that there aren’t that many full distance triathlons in the UK currently, and it’s easier than IRONMAN Wales. If someone is looking for the official IRONMAN experience in the UK, this is the event to aim for.
With 2500M of elevation on the bike, this is a SERIOUS test of cycling ability. However, a freshwater swim in Roundhay Park make it easier than Tenby, although the run courses are generally comparable.
The Welsh weather is also more unpredictable than Leeds, which is another tick in the box for Leeds being the easier of the two races. Marginally…
If you’re new to the distance, be sure to check out my free 23 page guide on Your First IRONMAN with over 100 tips here.
Look, if you want to take on an easy ironman event, the UK is not the place to do it. Check out my article on the world’s easiest IRONMAN events here to find a genuinely easy race.
