Bearman Long Distance Triathlon

Swim: 3.8 km | Bike: 183 km | Run: 42km

The British-born Laidlow family are once again attracting international triathletes into the Tech valley for the Bearman Extreme Triathlon this September.

This event was founded on the principles of being one of the toughest challenges in the long distance triathlon world, whilst respecting the environment and leaving no trace.

That’s why the Vallespir is perfect for such an extreme event; the 3.8km swim is done at the lake in St Jean Pla de Corts, the 183 km bike leg includes 4400 metres of climbing through Amélie les Bains, Arles sur Tech and Prats de Mollo, among others. The 42 km run (that’s a marathon, to you and me) has a total elevation gain of 2100 metres and finishes in Arles sur Tech.

It’s also a self-supporting event, meaning athletes carry their own food, and take water from the numerous natural sources around the course. This means no plastic bottles at all, and means the event has a “Label Durable’ from the French Triathlon Federation.

There are two versions taking place at the same time: the XXL Event which is the distances mentioned above, plus the Half format which is exactly as it sounds – half the distances but still a HUGE challenge.

The event gets high praise from athletes who are lucky enough to race all over the world, meaning its reputation as the best organised triathlon is no mean feat.

Race director Michelle relies on a team of 75 volunteers to help the day run smoothly, so if you can help on the course (Saint Jean Pla de Corts all the way up to Prats de Mollo) please sign up Bearman volunteers

You can also spectate on any part of the course (this is an open road event, please respect all traffic laws and keep the athletes safe). See the bike loop here for details on where it goes in the Vallespir (there aren’t  many places it doesn’t go!) Bearman routes