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Challenge Almere-Amsterdam

Challenge Almere-Amsterdam takes place on Sat, Sep 12, 2026 in Almere, Netherlands. The main route is 226.2 km.

Date
Sat, Sep 12, 2026
Start
Almere 🇳🇱
Distance
226.2 km
Climbing
232 m
Level
Open to all
Add race day to your calendar

Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is Europe's oldest long-distance triathlon and features a famously fast, flat course located entirely below sea level.

Official event page

What this race demands

Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is a long-distance triathlon demanding prolonged aerobic endurance and steady pacing across a flat, below-sea-level course.

Aerobic endurance

The 226.2 km total distance requires continuous output across swimming, cycling, and running over an extended duration.

Pacing discipline

The flat elevation profile of only 232 meters eliminates major hills, demanding consistent power and stride management to avoid early fatigue.

Thermal regulation

Racing in September in the Netherlands generally presents moderate conditions, but the prolonged exposure of a full-distance triathlon requires consistent cooling and hydration management.

Aim for 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour throughout the bike and run legs to sustain output over the long duration of the race.

Estimated finish times

Competitive (cycling ~4.0 W/kg, open marathon under 3:15)8:30–9:30
Advanced (cycling ~3.2 W/kg, open marathon under 3:45)9:31–11:00
First-timer / Finisher11:01–14:00

Estimates by level, not promises. Your own number depends on your fitness on the day.

Your road to race day

Race day at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is 3 weeks away. This is how a coach divides that time. The first phase starts now.

  1. 01Taper2 weeks · Aug 23, 2026 Sep 5, 2026

    Volume drops while intensity stays: short, sharp efforts keep the legs awake as fatigue drains away.

  2. 02Race week1 week · Sep 6, 2026 Sep 12, 2026

    Openers, rest and logistics. The work is done; the job now is arriving fresh.

Get this plan built around your own fitness

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