The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will take place on Sunday, November 3, with registrations nearing the 3,500-participant limit – a reported increase from last year’s 3,200 athletes. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, October 30, or until all 3,500 spots are filled across the various categories and distances.
Details of the event were shared at a press conference in Barcelona, attended by Barcelona City Council’s Sports Commissioner, David Escudé; Challenge Family’s Quality Manager, Juanan Fernández; Challenge Barcelona Triathlon’s Race Director, Eloi Moragues; and professional triathletes Laura Gómez and Guillem Montiel.
In the 2024 edition, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon will host over 70 professional triathletes, including five Olympians.
The event continues to grow its international presence, with 25% of participants traveling from outside Spain, representing over 50 countries across all continents. Female representation remains strong at 30%, matching last year’s participation rate.
Sports Commissioner David Escudé said “Barcelona’s Blue Pavilion is ready to welcome this special edition of the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon, filled with new features and maintaining a strong 30% female participation rate, just like last year.
“This Sunday, November 3, countless athletes who have been preparing for months will enjoy one of the most spectacular races our city offers.”
Juanan Fernández, Quality Manager at Challenge Family, added “The presence of professional athletes, including five Olympians, is a testament to the prestige this event has gained over time. More athletes from around the world want to compete here, establishing Barcelona as a key capital in the triathlon world.”
Elite field with five Olympians confirmed
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will feature more than 70 professional triathletes, including: Jessica Learmonth (United Kingdom), gold medalist in the mixed relay at the Tokyo Olympics; Samuel Dickinson (United Kingdom), bronze medalist in the mixed relay at the Paris Olympics; Sara Pérez Sala (Spain), an Olympian at Athens 2004; Russell White (Ireland), Olympian in Tokyo; and Justus Nieschlag (Germany), also a Tokyo Olympian.
In addition to these athletes, both international and national triathletes will compete in the men’s and women’s categories. The men’s category includes: Justus Nieschlag (Germany), Tom Hug (Germany), and Thomas Davis (United Kingdom).
In the women’s category, other standouts include Imògen Simmonds (Switzerland), and Caroline Pohle (Germany).
Spanish athletes Guillem Montiel and Laura Gómez will also take part.
New run course
This year’s edition of the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon introduces a new run course. Athletes will enjoy a faster, more streamlined route along the Mediterranean coast, offering the chance to improve their times with a sea breeze and crowd support along the circuit.
The redesigned course reduces 180-degree turns to enable a more consistent pace, featuring views of the Mediterranean and passing some of Barcelona’s most iconic sites, including Bogatell Promenade, Nova Icària Beach, Barceloneta, and landmarks such as Torre Mapfre, Hotel Arts, the renovated Olympic Port, La Balena Daurada, Hospital del Mar, and the W Hotel.
According to the selected distance, participants will complete different laps on this course:
- Short: 3 laps
- Olympic: 2 laps
- Sprint & Aquathlon: 1 lap
- Junior Challenge: 1 lap on a separate course
Race Director Eloi Moragues said “This new route combines an optimal pace for athletes with Barcelona’s unique scenery, making every step memorable. This year, we want both professionals and amateurs to enjoy an unforgettable experience as they compete surrounded by the sea and city landmarks.”
Multiple distance options
A key new feature this year is the addition of 80 slots for non-professional athletes in the Short distance. Here, participants in this category must meet two fundamental requirements: being licensed triathletes and agreeing to meet the cut-off times and rules for this distance.
Once again, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon will award €25,000 in prizes for the Short distance, which will also count toward the Challenge Family World Bonus – a Challenge Family initiative offering elite athletes the chance to compete for a €125,000 prize pool ranking.
Additionally, the event will contribute to the PTO (Professional Triathletes Organisation) ranking and athletes can qualify for The Championship by Challenge Family, an annual competition bringing together top triathletes worldwide in Samorin, Slovakia.
In addition to the Short distance, athletes can also compete in the following distances:
- Olympic: 1,500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run
- Sprint: 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run
- Aquathlon: 500m swim and 5km run
- Junior Challenge: 300m swim, 9km bike, and 1.5km run
All distances are open to individual participants or pairs. Sprint and Olympic distances also offer relay formats, allowing teams of one or two teammates to share the experience.
Race Director Eloi Moragues added “This year, we’ve worked to make the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon a benchmark event for both amateur athletes and elite professionals. The Short distance attracts top-level international triathletes, offering the chance to witness the best competitors on central Barcelona’s streets.”
Junior Challenge
Continuing the tradition from 2023, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon once again offers an option for young athletes, aiming to promote the sport among teens in a safe environment. Boys and girls between 12 and 17 years old will compete in a Super Sprint distance, enjoying the same services as adult athletes.
TRIEXPO
This year’s TRIEXPO at the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will be the largest yet, featuring over 20 brands in the industry. The CEM Mar Bella track will showcase the latest in triathlon gear, nutrition, accessories, and technology, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the sector’s newest trends.
Over 8,000 visitors are expected during the competition weekend. The TRIEXPO will be open to the public on Friday, November 1, from 15:00 to 19:00 CET, and Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 to 18:00, with free entry for all.
This space serves as a meeting point for triathletes, sponsors, and fans to discover new brands, enjoy exclusive promotions, and gear up for the big day.
Triathlon Without Borders
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon also aims to strengthen its commitment to social inclusion through the ‘Triathlon Without Borders’ project. This initiative provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to participate in the triathlon on equal terms, showcasing that the sport is open and accessible to all.
Over recent months, a group of athletes with intellectual disabilities has followed a tailored training plan, with sessions led by professionals who have considered their specific needs. This personalized support empowers participants to face their challenges safely and confidently.
The project is made possible by the collaboration of the ACELL Federation and the support of Fundación la Caixa, which continues to fund this initiative.
Through this effort, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon adds that it is… ‘committed to fostering diversity and respect, promoting an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can push their limits and enjoy a transformative sports experience.’
