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Windsor Triathlon http://www.humanrace.co.uk/windsor/
Probably the best Triathlon the UK. The swim is in the Thames and the run/cycle takes you around the beautiful streets of Windsor and surrounding area. The atmosphere is amazing with hundreds of spectators watching the triathletes competing. If you decide to take part in the Windsor Tri get a place early as it tends to fill up very quickly; usually as early as the end of February. Also, book accommodation early as it is peak season and most hotels/B&Bs will be full with tourists.
Blenheim Palace http://www.thelondontriathlon.com/BThome.html
Blenheim Palace is a great way to start the season and become familiar with both triathlon itself and cold water swimming. It's a sprint distance triathlon which means the distances you cover are relatively short for a triathlon. The distances are - swim 750m, cycle 20km, run 5km. Set in a fantastic venue, the Blenheim Triathlon is certainly one worth doing. This is a great day out for spectators - make sure you bring your friends and family along... Blenheim Palace will provide a stunning backdrop to the event and will be open for Palace tours throughout the day. Make sure you bring all your friends and family along for the day. We will provide a spectator map to ensure that your supporters can cheer you on as many times as possible.
Cambridge Triathlon http://www.cambridgetriathlonclub.co.uk/
The Cambridge Triathlon is usually set in the middle to end of August. It is good event to finish the season off as it is a friendly race and very well organised with a really family and fun atmosphere. The lake has plenty of fish to look at whilst you are doing the swim and take your mind off the pain! It is a flat course so expect a fast time.
Marathon des Sables http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/index_uk.php
Described by many as the toughest foot race on the planet, amazing scenery and impressive organization makes this one of the must do adventure races in the world.
It covers 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MDS easy.
On the 4th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! It’s tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.
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