Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

Several weeks back was one of the baddest iron-distance races around, the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.  Maybe I've posted about it before, but it's an iron-distance triathlon with a special twist.  Definitely on my bucket list, here's a sneak peak.

The race takes place in Southwest Norway every August.  It begins with a swim in Hardangerfjord (water 13-15C), then a "hilly" bike which climbs from sea level to 1250m within 40k before rolling and coming back down only to run the marathon leg up Gaustatoppen, 1850m above sea level.  Total climbing, 5000m :)

For safety reasons, the race is limited to 250 people and only 160 of those are allowed to pursue the top of the mountain finish, while the rest finish at the lower plateau.  Summiting the mountain gets you a black t-shirt while the plateau finishers receive a white one.

No idea when I'll go for this one, but hopefully sooner rather than later.  Needless to say, I look better in black :)