Expert Tri (Solo or Pair)
The experts will complete (or attempt to complete) the event in one continuous journey with the aim of finishing in under 18 hours. Starting very early on Saturday morning, and finishing … well, when they finish. This is the ultimate Iron-Distance Triathlon and a phenomenal multi-sport journey in its own right. We will be in support the whole way with Transition Areas, Feed Stations & Checkpoints along the course providing provisions, medical support and general encouragement. We will also transfer your kit for you to and from the transition areas and to the Finish line. This simply leaves you to concentrate on the 140 miles of rugged Scottish terrain ahead of you.
Entry age limits: 18-75yrs.
Start
Location: South Queensferry
Time: Mass Start at 0600 latest
Map: To follow
Our Start line is set against the wooded beaches of South Queensferry, some 7 miles from Edinburgh City Centre and nestling in the shadow of the mighty Forth Bridges. This is also where the bike transition is located and where you will drop your bags for onward transport by ourselves. Registration will be located in central Edinburgh and will be accessible from midday on Friday 31st May. Here you will pick up your eventpack including event number and timing chip as well as any final details we may issue.
There will be no Registration available on event day – all participants must register on the Friday.
Parking & Transport
There are good transport links and parking options for Edinburgh. At South Queensferry, we will be providing a dedicated Event Parking facility where you can park up to drop gear and bikes on the morning of event-day (or the day before if you choose). You will also be able to leave a vehicle here until the end of the event should you choose, but please note that the parking facility is unsecured. Full details can be found in our Transport & Accommodation pages here.
Accommodation
There are lots of good options within Edinburgh and there is local accommodation in South Queensferry and across the Forth Road Bridge in North Queensferry too. Some useful links are collected here.
The Swim
From South Queensferry the event starts with a Swim under the colossal structures of the Forth Road and Rail Bridges in the Forth of Forth. This is a sea swim and you should expect choppy water. Whilst the course is subject to change dependent on weather conditions, we are planning a triangular or an “out-and-back” style course here, for 2.4 miles.
The Bike Course
The full Iron-Distance swim is then followed by a road bike stage which connects the Forth foreshore with Glencoe; at least 112 miles of riding. The course starts by taking you up and over the famous Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife. Open roads lead you into rural Perthshire and past Glen Devon and Gleneagles. Mountains starts to rise around you and you will pass a series of stunning Lochs on the way. The course joins the A82 at Crianlarich and this famous road winds you up through Tyndrum onto evocative Rannoch Moor and the high point of the bike stage. Some say this is the best drive in Great Britain as you gaze out to the vastness of Buachaille Etive Mor ahead of you, before a fast and winding descent past the rugged mountain vista of the Three Sisters, Glen Coe and into Glencoe village. Your transition area at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel is situated on the shore of Loch Leven with mountains all around you.
The bike stage packs 112 miles of distance minimum and approximately 9400ft of ascent. (181km and 2580m). That's a tougher Iron statistic than any other in the world; and that's just the ride. Wait till you read about the marathon run!
Glencoe Transition
Location: Isles of Glencoe Hotel
1st Expert expected: 1300
Last Expert expected: 1800
Course from South Queensferry to Isles of Glencoe closes: 1800
Map: To follow
Set deep in the heart of some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, the Glencoe transition is your connection between the beautiful cycle stage and the impending marathon foot stage that will take you to the summit of Ben Nevis and back down to Glen Nevis.
Glencoe is ideally located on the course for you to stop, refuel and access your transition gear, which we will have transported from the start for you. You will also be able to rack your bike here and it will then stay here, with options as to whether you are re-united with it here post-event or whether we transport it onwards for you back to the Start line, or post it back for you. There will be some catering options here, as well as some fruit, snacks, sweets and cakes that we will provide, plus water supplies. Medics will also be on hand to patch anything up or give advice to ensure you carry on in good shape into the marathon. This is also another opportunity to access any supporters who have come along to give you a helping hand or simply some encouragement with free parking and a great hotel bar available onsite. There are also toilets.
Please note that supporters will not be allowed access into the bike transition area itself.
The Marathon
From Glencoe it’s time to hit the trail. The marathon foot stage encompasses a minimum of 26.2 miles (42km)of dramatic Scottish hill and mountain terrain, most of which is off-road. The stage has 8500 ft (2700m) as ascent, making it a very tough objective in its own right, not least on the back of the preceding bike and swim stages. The foot stage starts by crossing the distinctive Ballachulish Bridge and climbs a steep slope before descending to reach the West Highland Way and bringing you to Glen Nevis. From here, it’s the ascent of “The Ben” to reach the summit before descending again to Glen Nevis. There will be intermediary Cut-Offs for slower participants and contingency routes developed for poor weather.
Finish
Location: Glen Nevis
1st Expert Finisher Expected: 1800
Last Expert Finisher Expected: 0200
Course closes: 0200
Map: To follow
The Finish-line is located right in the heart of Glen Nevis, with mountains flanking you on all sides. You are approximately 2 miles from Fort William and 17 miles by road from Glencoe. We will have a number of facilities at the finish, including medics, food provision, toilets and your gear, which we will have brought to the finish-line for you. If you arrive late night or in the early hours, there will also be a heated marquee for you to crash out in if you are waiting for onward transport or simply need some sleep to recharge some significantly depleted batteries. Finally when it’s time to depart, we have made various transport arrangements to help you on your way. Full info here.
Timings are subject to change as we design exact routing detail and due to prevailing weathers during the event.
