The international triathlon race will take place this Sunday, November 3, at Mar Bella Beach
More than 70 professional triathletes from around the globe will line up at the start, including five Olympians
Over 20 industry brands will participate in the TRIEXPO, with an expected 8,000 visitors
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will take place on Sunday, November 3, with registrations nearing the 3,500-participant limit—an increase from last year’s 3,200 athletes, which confirms its status as a premier event on the triathlon calendar. 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 today 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 this new 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 and highlighting the growing interest among women in triathlon.
Sports Commissioner David Escudé emphasized, “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 of Challenge Family, added that this year’s edition has exceeded expectations, reflecting the brand’s strength and the growing triathlon scene in Barcelona. “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.”
World-class field with five olympians confirmed
The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will feature more than 70 professional triathletes, including five Olympians. Notable athletes include 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 in 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. In the men’s category, Justus Nieschlag, who placed fifth at this year’s Ironman 70.3 European Championship; Tom Hug (Germany), winner of Challenge ST Polten 2024; and Thomas Davis (United Kingdom), third at Challenge Salou 2024, are set to compete. In the women’s category, alongside Learmonth, standouts include Imògen Simmonds (Switzerland), 2023 Challenge Barcelona champion, and Caroline Pohle (Germany), European Ironman 70.3 champion.
National athletes Guillem Montiel, first place at Challenge Salou 2024, and Laura Gómez, first place at Half Pamplona 2024, will also take part. Gómez expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon is always a special race for me, and seeing its growth in participation and level of competition motivates me to give my best at home.”
Guillem Montiel added, “Competing in Barcelona is always special, and even more so with such a high-caliber lineup of triathletes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge ourselves against top-level athletes and to showcase the high level of talent we have here.”
New run course: speed and iconic views of Barcelona
This year’s edition of the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon introduces an exciting new run course. Athletes will enjoy a faster, more streamlined route along the Mediterranean coast, offering the chance to improve their times with the refreshing sea breeze and enthusiastic crowd support along the circuit.
The redesigned course reduces 180-degree turns to enable a more consistent pace, featuring spectacular views of the Mediterranean and passing some of Barcelona’s most iconic sites, including Bogatell Promenade, Nova Icària Beach, Barceloneta, and landmarks like Torre Mapfre, Hotel Arts, the renovated Olympic Port, La Balena Daurada, Hospital del Mar, and the impressive 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 emphasized that “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 for all levels
A key new feature this year is the addition of 80 slots for non-professional athletes in the Short distance. 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 World Challenge 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 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 compete in the following distances:
Short: 1,500 m swim, 56 km bike, and 15 km run
Olympic: 1,500 m swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run
Sprint: 750 m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run
Aquathlon: 500 m swim and 5 km run
Junior Challenge: 300 m swim, 9 km bike, and 1.5 km 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 underscored the importance of these new features: “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 Barcelona’s streets.”
Junior Challenge: for young athletes ages 12 to 17
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 and exciting 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: the largest triathlon expo comes to Barcelona
This year’s TRIEXPO at the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024 will be the largest yet, featuring over 20 leading brands in the industry. The CEM Mar Bella track will showcase the latest in triathlon gear, nutrition, accessories, and technology, providing visitors with an immersive experience and a unique opportunity to explore 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 3 pm to 7 pm, and Saturday, November 2, from 10 am to 6 pm, 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: inclusive support for athletes with special needs
Once again, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon strengthens 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 this 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 possible thanks to the collaboration of the ACELL Federation and the support of the “la Caixa” Foundation, through CaixaBank. Through this effort, the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 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.
Additional materials:
Press conference photos from the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon 2024
