The Challenge

  • The challenge will test both physical and mental endurance, and comprises:
    • 90 mile run relay from London to Dover (10-12 hours)
    • Approx. 25 mile swim relay from Dover to Calais (11-13 hours)
    • 180 mile cycle relay from Calais to Paris (9-11 hours)
  • The triathlon challenge is a race between the teams for the fastest total time to Paris
  • There will be brief gaps between each discipline which don’t count towards the total time
  • Each discipline is a race within the race

If you would like further information on entering a team in this year's challenge then email enquiries@endurochallenge.com to find out more about this great event and to book your place at the start line in August 2012.

The Teams

  • A team of 6 athletes, each must take part in all three disciplines.
  • Teams must include at least 1 woman
  • For all three disciplines the challenge is a relay
  • The run and cycle sections have fixed changeover points
  • During the swim, team members take 1 hour rotations in the water

The Run

  • The route from the Tower of London to Dover is divided into 12 sections of 10-14km each
  • Precise distances per section are determined by the availability of safe change-over points
  • The run is completed by the 6 team members as a relay, so each person runs 2 sections (and keep the same order so 1st runner also does leg 7 etc)
  • Runners may be accompanied by a support cyclist for navigation, communication, drinks etc
  • Each team needs a support vehicle and a minimum of 2 driver-navigators (not athletes)
  • Includes scenic but challenging off-road sections on the North Downs Way

The Swim

  • The most difficult part of Enduro Challenge is the cross-Channel swim
  • It’s a much bigger part of the race than in a standard triathlon
  • In line with CS&PF rules, the swimmer can wear a swimsuit, a hat, and goggles but no wetsuit
  • The swim distance is about 25 miles but can be more given tidal drift
  • Team members swim 1 hour rotations, with 5 hours to recover between swims
  • Swimmers are closely accompanied by the CS&PF pilot boat and official observer
  • The swim start will depend upon the tide and weather (the triathlon may be held up in Dover), competitors should expect one swim at night or twilight

The Cycle

  • The ride to Paris is divided into 6 sections of around 30 miles each
  • The route starts from the Port of Calais and follows relatively minor roads
  • Precise distances are determined by the availability of safe change-over points
  • The cycle is completed by the 6 team members as a relay, each person rides 1 section
  • Each team needs one support vehicle and at least 2 driver-navigators (not athletes)
  • To avoid traffic the cycle is likely to be at night. Teams must provide adequate lighting and reflective clothing for their cyclists The 2010 cycle will finish at the Eiffel Tower