What Exactly Is the T100 Triathlon?
The T100 Triathlon is a 100 km race created by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO). The distance – 2 km swim, 80 km bike, and 18 km run. This offers a fresh spin on traditional formats. It sits comfortably between Olympic and Half-Iron distances, but with its own identity. You’re racing long enough to suffer, but short enough to attack.
This race series isn’t just about the challenge, it’s also about global connection. The triathlon world tour brings the sport to iconic cities like Singapore, London, Ibiza, and more. Each course has its own flavor, tight corners, seaside views, punchy climbs, which forces athletes to adapt. It’s a true test of both speed and strategy.
What makes it more exciting is the professional broadcast quality, live metrics, and athlete storytelling. This means you can follow your favorite athletes throughout the season just like you would in Formula 1 or tennis.
If you’ve ever wished triathlon had a real “league,” now it does.
T100 by the Numbers
Sometimes the fastest way to understand a race is through the numbersand the T100 Triathlon packs a lot into 100 kilometers.
This format is short enough to race hard but long enough to require real strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or totally new to the sport, these stats will help you see what makes T100 unique.
T100 by the Numbers
- 🏁 Total Distance: 100 km (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run)
- ⏱ Average Pro Finish Time: 3h 20m – 3h 50m
- 👟 Average Age-Group Time: 4h 15m – 5h 30m
- 💰 Prize Purse (per race): USD $250,000+
- 🌍 PTO World Ranking Points: Up to 100 per event
- ⏳ Race Cutoff Time: ~5.5 hours
- 📅 Number of Events (2024): 8 global races
These numbers aren’t just trivia. They shape how athletes train, how they race, and what you can expect on the course. Think about it: could you finish 100 km in under 5 hours? What gear would you need? How would you pace that final 18 km run?
How Is T100 Different from Ironman?
Sure, Ironman has defined long-distance triathlon for decades, but T100 is charting a new path. Instead of replicating a 10–15 hour endurance grind, it compresses the intensity into 3–5 hours. This makes the racing more watchable and more explosive. You’ll see multiple lead changes, breakaways, and dramatic surges. All packed into a single afternoon.
There’s also a season structure. Athletes earn points at each race to qualify for a grand final. Think of it like the playoffs in football or the Tour de France yellow jersey chase. It builds narrative and emotional investment for fans.
On top of that, T100 Triathlon prioritizes urban courses. You’re not racing in isolation, you’re surrounded by cheering crowds, music, and energy. I once stood roadside in Ibiza during the run leg, and the vibe felt more like a street festival than a typical triathlon. It truly transforms the experience for both athletes and spectators.
Who’s Racing the T100 Series?
The T100 Triathlon has drawn in some of the world’s most recognizable names—athletes you might’ve seen at the Olympics, Ironman World Championships, or top-tier PTO Tour events. Think Ashleigh Gentle, Kristian Blummenfelt, Taylor Knibb, and Alistair Brownlee (now retired). All big hitters with major global titles.
But what makes it even more interesting is the blend of talents. You’ll see short-course stars testing their endurance, and long-course veterans forced to pick up the pace. It’s like watching marathoners race 10Ks or F1 drivers compete in street karting. This means skill meets adaptation.
And let’s not forget the underdogs. Some lesser-known athletes are breaking through the ranks with consistent performances. The format rewards not just podiums but participation, so every race counts.
As a viewer, you’ll begin to notice rivalries, strengths on specific courses, and unique pacing strategies. It makes following the sport feel like a journey, not just a one-day event.
Why Are Athletes and Fans Loving It?
Let’s be honest: triathlon hasn’t always been the most accessible sport to watch. Long days, complex transitions, and isolated courses often made it tough to follow. But the T100 Triathlon changes that by combining elite competition with modern entertainment.
For athletes, the big draw is the financial backing. These races offer equal prize money, appearance fees, and bonus pool incentives. That means more athletes can focus full-time on their training without relying only on sponsors. As a former age-grouper who once scraped by for race entry fees, I see this as a huge leap forward.
For fans? The racing is live-streamed with GPS tracking, heart-rate data, and pro-level commentary. You don’t have to understand every detail of triathlon training to get excited. You’ll watch people push their limits and make real-time decisions that either pay off or don’t.
And for those of us watching from home? You can binge an entire T100 event on a Sunday afternoon.
Is T100 a Good Goal for Age-Groupers?
Without a doubt. The T100 Triathlon offers a format that’s hard but not overwhelming. If you’ve raced Olympic or 70.3 distances, this hits the sweet spot. It’s long enough to feel proud at the finish line, but short enough that you won’t destroy your legs for two weeks.
Many T100 Triathlon events offer amateur races on the same weekend. This means you can race the same course as the pros, then grab a front-row seat to cheer them on. Many of the athletes I coach have completed an event. They said it felt like racing the undercard of a major boxing match.
Training-wise, you’ll likely need 8–10 hours a week. That’s manageable for most people with full-time jobs, families, and weekend plans. And with more race locations each year, you can pick a destination race that fits your life.
The format also welcomes beginners with structured pacing and well-organized courses. If you’ve done a standard triathlon event, you can absolutely build to this.
What Should You Know About Training for a T100 Race?
T100 Triathlon training is all about finding the right balance between endurance and speed. You’ll be racing for 3 to 5 hours, depending on your level. So you’ll need stamina, but you’ll also want to keep your speed sharp.
A typical training week might include:
- One long ride (60–90 km) at aerobic pace
- Two runs: one long (14–16 km) and one tempo-based
- Two swim sessions focusing on endurance and open water skills
- One or two brick workouts (bike-to-run)
- A rest day or active recovery (like yoga or stretching)
You’ll also want to practice race nutrition. Try different gels, hydration mixes, and even whole foods during your long rides to see what your gut tolerates. Don’t wait until race week to figure that out. I’ve made that mistake, and trust me, it’s not fun at kilometer 15.
Lastly, taper smart. Reduce volume but keep intensity high in the final two weeks.
If you’re curious about how your body composition affects race performance, check out our guide on finding your ideal triathlon weight.
For a complete breakdown of everything to pack before race day, check out our Ultimate Triathlon Checklist.
📅 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour Schedule
- April 5–6: Singapore T100 – Marina Bay
- May 31: San Francisco T100 – Escape from Alcatraz
- June 13–15: Vancouver T100 – Jericho Beach Park
- June 27–29: French Riviera T100 – Mediterranean Coast
- August 9–10: London T100 – Central London
- September 20–21: Valencia T100 – World Triathlon Cup Valencia
- October 25–26: Lake Las Vegas T100 – Desert Oasis
- November 15–16: Dubai T100 – Urban Metropolis
- December 11–13: Qatar T100 Final – Doha World Championship
For more details on each event, including registration and course information, visit the official T100 Triathlon website.
Questions About T100 Triathlon
Do T100 races have strict qualification standards for amateurs?
Is there prize money for amateur triathletes at T100 races?
Can you use a road bike in a T100 Triathlon?
How does the PTO track pro athlete performance across the T100 season?
What kind of support is offered on course for age-groupers?
Most T100 events offer multiple aid stations on the bike and run courses, stocked with water, electrolytes, and sometimes gels or fruit. Some locations even offer mechanical support and medical tents. But always check the athlete guide before race day. Aid details can vary slightly by venue.
Why Is the T100 Series a Game-Changer for Triathlon?
This isn’t just a new race. It’s a new model. The T100 Triathlon finally gives triathlon the global stage it’s always deserved. And it gives us, the fans and athletes, a season to follow.
Before T100, pro triathlon lacked structure. Wins were one-offs. There was no leaderboard. No true storyline. Now we have that. You can follow your favorite athlete across the world, see how they progress, and understand the strategy behind each course.
It also provides a clear career path for rising stars. With reliable payouts and global exposure, more athletes can turn pro without giving up financial security. As a fan and a coach, I’ve waited years for something like this.
On a broader level, T100 is opening doors for sponsors, cities, and communities. Triathlon is no longer just about personal bests. It’s about shared experience, athletic drama, and international competition.
It’s a leap forward and it’s only just beginning.
