Swedish Triathlon Challenge - A Little Bit Unique
Posted by Matthew Prudhoe on 1st May 2019
After paddling 25km in white water, powering your way through a 17km walk and finally undertaking the 30km mountain bike trail, you will find yourself at the finish line at a market square in Sweden's breathtaking countryside. And it will absolutely be breathtaking in the literal sense because the Multi-sport Open European Championship doesn't take it easy on you, and the "Are Extreme Challenge" will undoubtedly be no different.
If you are an outdoors person (and someone who loves a serious challenge) you should think about the Are Extreme Challenge in Sweden. While it may be too late this year, the event runs back 20 years and there will be many more to come in future. It is little known across the world but something about it evokes a sense of adventure, as well as sportsmanship thanks to Sweden's beautiful environment.
Unlike a regular triathlon, the Are Extreme Challenge consists of three different sections. They are the "paddling" which is a kayaking event across a lake that tends to have very strong winds. Participants have to muscle their way through that while battling the wind, before introducing their legs into the game by taking a long walk over the Areskutan peak which stands at 4659 feet.
Of course, no triathlon is complete without some sort of cycling, and you can forget smooth roads; partakers finish on a long mountain bike trail leading them eventually (and hopefully) across the finish line at the winter sports resort. On the entire planet, there is probably no event as demanding and unique as the Are Extreme Challenge - dubbed as a 'natural' alternative to typical triathlon events.
Who actually takes part in this event though? Well whoever wants to. The course is undertaken by top athletes from across Sweden including two Olympic gold medalists who appreciate and respect the physical demand the event requires, and try to best the rest. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the vast majority of people that do it are just as average as you or me - keen, willing and ready for a serious challenge.
Check out our popular brands!
Huub - https://mytriathlon.co.uk/brands/huub/
2XU - https://mytriathlon.co.uk/brands/2xu/