The Brutal Extreme Triathlon
September 20th 2025
Llanberis, North Wales
Take on one of the World’s Toughest Triathlons…
The Brutal Extreme Triathlons start in the beautiful Lake Padarn. The bike course goes through stunning scenery and over some challenging hills. And finally, the run takes you on an undulating trail around the lake and up and down Wales's highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
This is 'The World's Toughest Triathlon' (as voted for by 220 Triathlon in 2017) but it is renowned for it's low-key and friendly vibe. Every athlete, whether it's your first triathlon or 21st, will feel the massive support from not only the event crew, but the other competitors too. The challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery creates an awesome experience that will stay with you long after the aches and blisters have gone!
The distances available are Half, Full, Double, Triple and you can enter all of these events as a solo or in a team (2 - 4 members).
*A note on support crews: You ONLY need support crews for the double or triple races. Please read the detailed section below about support crews.
Introducing the Brutal Bach! This is a STANDARD distance triathlon, with a Brutal Twist!
Why Choose The Brutal Bach?
• A Brutal Twist on Standard Distance Triathlon: 0.6mile Swim* in the cold waters of Lyn Padern, 29.9 mile bike and a run route that takes you up and down Snowdon.
• For the Seriously Brutal Bach Duathlon, a 2.3 mile run with some seriously steep terrain, the same spectacular 29.9mile bike loop before your trip up and down Snowdon.
• Perfect for All Levels: Whether you’re stepping up to a Standard distance for the first time or looking for a harder-hitting race, The Bach has you covered.
• Weekend Warrior Appeal: Compete in The Bach while supporting teammates, friends, or family taking on the Mawr (full) or Cawr (double) distances.
This isn’t just another Standard Triathlon—it’s your chance to experience the Brutal spirit and test your limits in a truly unforgettable way. Don’t settle for ordinary. Embrace the challenge. Join the Brutal Bach today.
*We know the distances aren’t bang on Standard, but we’re taking the description loosely. Complete this event and tell us afterwards you’re disappointed the swim course came up short or the bike and run are too long
Pick your distance
Take on the Canol (Half/middle)…
1.2 mile lake swim (2 laps) in Llyn Padarn. Followed by 56 miles (2 laps) on the bike. Finally, you run 1 Lake Lap (5 miles) and then take on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Step up to the Mawr (Full/big)…
2.4 miles lake swim (4 laps) in Llyn Padarn. Followed by 112 miles (4 laps) on the bike. Finally, you run 3 Lake Laps (15 miles) and then take on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Go Cawr (Double/giant)…
Are you ready for the big boys of ultra, extreme triathlon?!
See below for laps and distances for the Ultra distance events.
Course information
Entry fees:
10% off until Jan 31st
The Brutal Bach (Standard) - £95
The Brutal Bach (Standard) Team - £120
The Brutal Canol (Half/middle) - £195
The Brutal Canol (Half/middle) Team - £250
The Brutal Mawr (Full/big) - £355
The Brutal Mawr (Full/big) Team - £465
The Brutal Cawr (Double/giant) - £470
The Brutal Cawr (Double/giant) Team - £610
Relays involve each person completing one discipline each.
Andreas’ Double Brutal Story…
We were building the finishing gantry when Andreas from Switzerland rocked up to race HQ in September this year. He had just ridden a lap of the bike course, and I saw his smile before I saw the man.
"What did you think of the course?" I asked him. He replied by putting his hand on his heart and sighing... "It's some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen". Not a bad compliment considering HE'S FROM SWITZERLAND!
He went on to be one of Brutal 2024's most memorable characters.
Andreas competed in the Double and brought his A game. Always smiling and just having an absolute ball, right up until he crossed the finish line where the raw emotion of his achievement was impossible to hide.
This week, we received a lovely message congratulating us on keeping the event alive, and he sent us his recently finished video of the event. You want to know why we wanted to keep Brutal alive, this is why….
Thank you, Andreas, for allowing us to share your film, and everyone, prepare to get goosebumps…. Gavin :-)
Swim
The swim is held in Llyn Padarn which is based in Parc Padarn in Llanberis. The lake is a short walk from race HQ and there is a place for you to leave your shoes.
The water temperature is likely to be between 16-18 degrees, but does vary due the different depths. You will complete laps, the amount depends on the event you have entered.
You will exit the lake every two laps and re-enter to complete the laps required. There is a basic aid station with cold and hot drinks available and Torq nutrition, bananas and other snack food. You can also leave personal items.
Bike
The 28 mile Brutal bike lap will certainly warm you up after the chilly swim with a steep, sharp hill. You can then enjoy the stunning views and undulating course until you reach the well known beast of a climb over Pen y Pass and super fast descent back to HQ.
The famous Snowdonia weather will test you with wind and rain on one side of the valley and sun on the other. You will need to be prepared for anything.
Run
The lap around the lake comes as a shock to first timers. Don’t be fooled by the description, there are plenty of hills, trails, rocks and even a waterfall to test you.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is Wales’s highest mountain and for this event you follow the Llanberis Path, which is a clear, well defined path. And if you are very lucky, you may get to experience some amazing views from the summit.
If you have entered either the half or full event you will complete your lap/s around the lake and then take on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). If you are taking part in the Double or Triple, you will complete the mountain section before the Lake Laps (for safety reasons).
Watch Gymshark athlete, Fergus Crawley, take on the Double Brutal in 2022…
FAQs:
What time is registration on Friday?
Registration (which will include mountain bag kit check) is open from 16:00 till 20:00
What time is race briefing on Friday?
Half / Full Brutal briefing is 19:00 - Double (plus crew) is 20:00
Where is registration/briefing on Friday?
In the main marquee on the event field (please do NOT bring your transition bags until the morning of the race)
Does my support crew have to register?
No, but they have to attend the race briefing (Double only)
Will I be given transition bags?
No, but you will be given numbered tags to attach to your own bags
Do I rack my bike on Friday?
There is NO bike racking available on Friday night. This is because of security / staffing issues
What time is transition open on race day?
From 05:00
What time/day does the race start?
All races start at 07:00 Saturday 20th September 2025
Will there be food / drinks on site?
Yes, there is a catering van open from 05:00 until late on Saturday.
Can I wear gloves for the swim?
Yes, as long as they are not webbed!! You can also wear booties and extra hats.
Do we get out on every lap of the swim?
You get out every second lap of the swim. There will be hot drinks available lakeside.
What will be available at the aid stations?
Torq Sports Nutrition, flapjack, cheese scones, bananas, biscuits, jellybabies, water, coke and flap jack.
Where are the aid stations?
One on the bike (mile 14) One on the run (2.5 mile approx) and one at HQ. The aid station on the bike course is only open until the last full bike has gone through (aprox 1800 Saturday).
What happens before I start the mountain section?
Before you head off to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), you will be required to check in with a medic to ensure that you are fit and well enough to climb up and back down a mountain. This check is essential but will not take more than a minute
Where can I stay?
There are plenty of B&Bs, hotels, campsites and bunkhouses available near race HQ. It is advisory to book early as Llanberis is a small village and it gets full very quickly
Are there showers in transition?
No, only portaloos
What are the rules?
Hi-viz vest to be worn on the bike AT ALL TIMES, failure to abide by this, and you will be withdrawn from the race (For all athletes on every distance). No drafting. You must wear a cycle helmet. No MP3 players or similar. No littering and you must mount and dismount at the designated points.
Trophies
There will be trophies awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male / female in all races.
Dinorwac Power Station works
We are aware of the planned works at Dinorwac Power Station over the next few years, but anticipate this will not impact on the race too much. Please be assured we will keep up to date with developments there.
The Swim Course
The Brutal Triathlon swim is held in Llyn Padarn, Parc Padarn. It is a 1.25k course and you will swim as many laps as required, depending on your chosen distance.
The Bike Course
The Brutal Triathlon bike is on open roads. It is a 28 mile course and you will bike as many laps as required, depending on your chosen distance.
The Run Course
The Lake Lap is a 5 mile course and you will run as many laps as required, depending on your chosen distance.
The Mountain Section
The Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) route follows the Llanberis Path and is aprox 9 miles, up and down. You will either do this after your bike laps (Double, Triple and Quin) or after your Lake Laps (Half and Full).
Cut offs:
Half cut offs
Swim - 1 hour / Bike - 6 hours
Total - 12 hours
Full cut offs
Swim - 2 hours / Bike - 12 hours
Total - 21 hours
Double cut offs
Swim - 4 hours / Bike - 26 hours
Total - 42 hours
Kit list: (all races)
Athlete
(all athletes need these items)
Issued map (waterproof pouch / bag needed)
Compass
Whistle
Waterproof coat
Waterproof trousers
Extra warm clothes
Gloves
Hat
Nutrition
A fully charged working mobile phone (water proofed) with emergency number in
Glow sticks or red tail light (Full / double only)
Survival foil blanket
Head torch (Full / double only)
More than 400ml of water or other drink
Blister kit
Soft cup - NEW for 2023
Support crew
(needed for Double races)
Waterproof coat
Waterproof trousers
Extra warm clothes
Gloves
Hat
Nutrition
Head torch (Full / double / Triple only)
More than 400ml of water or other drink
Soft cup - NEW for 2023
Support crew:
YOU DO NOT NEED SUPPORT FOR THE HALF AND FULL BRUTAL RACES. This is because we have increased the mountain medics on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), but if you want to take a support runner with you, you can.
YOU DO NEED SUPPORT FOR THE DOUBLE BRUTAL This must be at least 1 person, but 2-3 is more suitable.
Your support crew MUST support you during the night section of the bike and also on the mountain section. For the bike section your support crew must NOT follow directly behind, but instead wait for you safely in lay-bys or car parks. For the mountain section, they must stay near you at all times.
There is no parking / camping on the field. The best place to camp to support a double athlete is here, as the bike route goes past this point before heading into Llanberis OR you can support them from the main marquee, which has cooking facilities and areas to set up a camp-bed etc. Please contact us to discuss this further if unclear.
Please do NOT park on the roads surrounding the event field. You and your crew will face penalties and a possible DQ if you are found to be parking on the roads
Team info:
You can enter any of the Brutal Triathlons as a relay team. This can be an ideal introduction into extreme Triathlons or a less 'brutal' way to complete the Double.
You can have between 2 - 4 members and you can break the event up any way you want to (share the swim, bike or run laps) The timing chip must be changed over in the main HQ marquee and the mountain runner must have support if you are taking part in the Double.
The Brutal was not so much a race, but a life experience that has made everyone who took part at whatever distance, and in whatever capacity, better for being there
- Mark Yates - Triple 2015
