IRONMAN COPENHAGEN

WITH A TEMPERATE CLIMATE, BUMPER SUPPORT THROUGHOUT AND AN AGREEABLE COURSE, IRONMAN COPENHAGEN SEEMINGLY TICKS EVERY BOX FOR THE IRON NEWBIE. JUST BEWARE OF THAT CUT-OFF TIME…

Ironman Copenhagen is flat, fast and friendly for beginners,” says Adam Leitch, who finished 1,122nd at the Danish event in 2015. There are easy logistics, accommodation is plentiful and the good public transport links make it a stress-free choice. The event boasts up to 200,000 spectators, including a run in the city centre, making it hugely atmospheric and creating a big race vibe. Leitch adds: “There’s also the chance to set a fast time given the nature of the course – a lagoon swim that can be spectated the whole way, a fairly flat bike where only a bit of wind will slow things down and a quick, four-looped run course.”

The problem for some beginners will be that 15:45hr cut-off time, meaning participants have to complete the swim and bike within a total time of 9:30hrs and the marathon in 6:45hrs. The upshot is the relatively luxurious 7:30am start time, of course…