Scheduled for September 10, 2023, in Sankt Kanzian am Klopeiner See, in South Carinthia, Austria, the fifth edition of the South Carinthian Triathlon (German: Südkärntner Triathlon) will host the Carinthian Championships in half distance triathlon (1.9km, 90km, 21.1km).
This year marks an important milestone for the event venue, as 40 years ago, in 1983, the first triathlon in Austria took place in Sankt Kanzian am Klopeiner See.
In 2018 the inaugural Südkärntner Triathlon was pulled together by three regional organsations (DG TRI-Team Gösselsdorf, LG Südkärnten, and Schwimmtechnik Gebauer) as well as the tourism agency Klopeiner See – South Carinthia.
The first edition had 450 participants. By 2021, like many other events, the pandemic impacted participation numbers, and a lower number of 144 athletes were welcomed by the event team. It is hoped that, in 2023, participant numbers will pick up significantly.
The South Carinthian half distance triathlon takes athletes along three scenic lakes in the Klopeiner See region: Klopeiner See, Gösselsdorfer See and Turnersee.
The swim start is situated at the beach near Bellevue Alm on the eastern shore of Lake Klopein, one of the warmest bathing lakes in Europe with a typical 23°C (73°F) water temperature in September.
The 1.9km swim course features a rolling start (five athletes every five seconds) with a one loop swim. The cycling leg has four laps of 22.4km and 190m altitude gain per lap with a view of the imposing Lower Carinthian mountain scenery and Carinthian landscape.
The run has four laps of 5.3km and 43m of altitude per lap. Starting from the transition zone near Bellevue Alm the run takes in an ‘all-round lake promenade’ with a view of Lake Klopein.
“We are thrilled to be bringing again the half distance triathlon to this iconic venue that is worth showing to the world,” said Race Director Marco Auprich from the organizing team at DG-Tri-Team Gösselsdorf.
“We are confident that our athletes who are returning every year and new ones will have the best triathlon experience at Klopeiner See in the beginning of September. Sankt Kanzian Am Klopeiner See is a beautiful triathlon-friendly destination that is worth a visit.
“You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore together with racing this beautiful triathlon event and hidden triathlon gem.”
www.suedkaerntner-triathlon.at
www.visitcarinthia.at
