For many triathletes, racing is as much about the journey as it is about the finish line. Destination races offer the opportunity to pair world-class competition with unforgettable travel experiences. From the shores of Mallorca to the modern marvels of Dubai and the beaches of Australia’s Gold Coast, here are some races that combine sport, culture, and adventure, making ultimate swim-bike-run vacations.
Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – October 17, 2026
For triathletes searching for a late-season race in paradise, Challenge Peguera-Mallorca stands out as one of the sport’s ultimate destinations. Voted Race of the Year 2024 and Best Race Venue 2023 by athletes worldwide, the event embodies the Challenge Family mantra: All About the Athlete.
Peguera is a resort town on the island of Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Just 15 minutes from the Palma de Mallorca Airport, it offers athletes and their supporters a Mediterranean getaway filled with sunshine more than 300 days a year, along with beaches, coves, and turquoise waters. The setting alone explains why many call it the perfect triathlon vacation.
The course is as memorable as the scenery. The swim takes place in calm, clear seas that athletes describe as so enjoyable they did not want it to end. The bike leg benefits from Mallorca’s famously smooth roads, while the run winds through town over cobbled streets and along the beachfront, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and scenic.
“It’s the best place to close the season. 100% advisable,” one competitor shared. Another praised the late-October climate: “The weather is likely to be reliable and not too hot. This is a fantastic late season event for many reasons.”
Dubai T100 – November 12-15, 2026
Dubai is quickly establishing itself as one of triathlon’s premier global stages, with the T100 event drawing nearly 10,000 amateur athletes to compete alongside the professionals.
The city’s appeal lies in its unique blend of world-class infrastructure, safety, and cultural richness. Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa and an array of striking attractions, while mid-2025 rankings placed it among the top five safest cities in the world, according to the Numbeo Safety Index. It also earned recognition in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations, placing Dubai firmly among the most desirable global travel locations.
Dubai offers a striking mix of tradition and modernity. Athletes and their families can explore both the ultra-modern city with futuristic skylines along with the old quarters. The coastline is equally captivating, with golden beaches, clear waters, and a blend of natural and man-made beauty that mirrors the city itself. Beyond the race, the desert and surrounding landscapes offer yet another layer to the experience, making Dubai a destination that continually surprises.
For triathletes, Dubai is a race where world-class competition meets one of the most dynamic travel destinations on the planet.
T100 Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – 2027
The March 2026 inaugural edition of the T100 Gold Coast has already sold out, underscoring the venue’s popularity and making it one to mark on calendars for 2027.
And it’s no surprise as few places capture the triathlon lifestyle more perfectly than the Gold Coast. Sun, surf, and sand frame this destination, where athletes can swim, bike, and run against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most beloved coastlines.
The star attraction of the Gold Coast is its 70km of uninterrupted beaches, highlighted by the world-famous stretch at Surfers Paradise. This beachside playground in Southeast Queensland is just one hour south of Brisbane.
And the Gold Coast offers more than beaches. Just inland, athletes will find the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests – the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world – alongside Springbrook and Lamington National Parks. Here, waterfalls, panoramic lookouts, and lush green trails offer a perfect contrast to the energy of race day.
The T100 Gold Coast is more than a race. It is a celebration of the Australian dream, where endurance sport meets a lifestyle of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Mel Sauve is an Ironman triathlete and a regular contributor to Triathlon Magazine. She also leads the magazine’s on-the-ground photography at major events, including the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
About the Author
