Antarctica, the southernmost and coldest continent on Earth, is set to host its first extreme triathlon competition, the A100 Antarctic Triathlon, in 2027.
Between February 27, 2027 – March 8, 2027, 50 athletes from across the globe will attempt to navigate the icy landscape.
The event is being organised by Ilya Slepov, a triathlete and IRONMAN 70.3 age group world champion. The competition is scheduled to take place on King George Island, situated near Bellingshausen Station.
A100 is a 100km event (no relation to T100) consisting of a 1km swim in the Southern Ocean, where water temperatures hover around 0°C. This is followed by a 66km mountain bike leg and a 33km run. The race route has been designed to meet Antarctic ecological requirements, ensuring participants remain within permitted zones to minimise the impact on the landscape.
With the aim of ensuring safety in the harsh environment, the organiser has restricted entry to athletes with experience in long-distance triathlon events, such as IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3. Participants are also required to provide a medical certificate confirming their fitness for taking part in the extreme event.
While the race occurs during a period where temperatures typically range between –3°C – 5°C, the region is known for its unpredictable weather. Athletes may encounter sudden snow, fog, and winds reaching speeds of 25km/h.
The A100 team will provide support and guidance to participants throughout a year of training. As part of the experience, athletes can participate in a scientific study to monitor how their bodies react to stressful environments such as cold, wind, and isolation. This includes access to a research centre that simulates Antarctic conditions to help develop personalised training programmes.
During the event, competitors will reside on sailing schooners moored near Bellingshausen Station. These vessels will also host guides to provide information on the history of the continent and lead excursions to locations such as the Melchior Islands, the Lemaire Channel, and the gentoo penguin colony on Cuverville Island.
According to the organising team, the A100 aims to provide a unique challenge while maintaining a focus on the international scientific and ecological significance of the region.
