Courses

CHALLENGECANBERRA will now be a mass start for all events with a 2 lap swim of 1.9 kilometers in the deeper waters of Black Mountain Peninsula.  Spectators can view the whole swim and cheer their loved ones on. Athletes then make a short run to transition.

New Swim Course

Swim cut of time – 1 hour after your start time

Bike Course Update – Black Mountain Peninsula

Get ready to experience a fast and undulating course as we now start the bike leg from Black Mountain Peninsula — a course that has been used before and received fantastic feedback from athletes.

The CHALLENGE CANBERRA bike course now features rolling roads and our much-loved Parks Way section, stretching from Glenloch Interchange to Kings Avenue Bridge — a favourite among athletes and one of Canberra’s best stretches of tarmac when you want to test your speed.

Athletes will still enjoy Canberra’s stunning natural beauty, now from a location that’s a little more sheltered from the elements, with views of iconic city landmarks along the way. It’s the perfect blend of performance and inspiration— a reminder of why we love this sport.

This is your chance to push your limits, embrace the challenge, and be part of something special.

The CHALLENGE CANBERRA bike course is ready. Are you?

Click Here to view interactive map – 8.4km – Lap 1

Click Here to view interactive map – 4 x 20.4km

Bike Cut Off Time – 11.30am – athlete must be off the Lady Denman Drive.

If participants do not make it to these markers at these times they will be put in the sag wagon and taken to transition to complete the run leg. All athletes are encouraged to finish.

Run Course – Fast, Scenic, and Full of Energy

The all-new CHALLENGE CANBERRA run course has a bit of everything — a few gradual rises to put some sting in the legs, balanced with flat, fast sections that let you settle into a strong rhythm along the lake’s edge.

A three-lap course, the run takes you straight up to the first turn around, which you’ll pass several times for that extra sting to the legs. The course follows the footpaths of Black Mountain Peninsula, winding along the water as you head out toward Scrivener Dam. At this turn around you find the Red Bull Energy Station for that extra boost.

With multiple aid stations spaced roughly every 2 km, athletes will have plenty of opportunities to stay hydrated and keep their energy high from start to finish.

Click Here to view interactive map.

CHALLENGECANBERRA Olympic is mass start male athletes to start and females close behind. Two-laps of 750m in the clear waters of Black Mountain Peninsula, one of Canberra’s very popular swim spots. Spectators can view the whole swim and cheer their loved ones on. Athletes then make the short run to transition.

Olympic Distance Bike Course – Fast, Flowing, and Full of Canberra Character

The Olympic Distance bike course at CHALLENGE CANBERRA delivers a thrilling two-lap ride starting from Black Mountain Peninsula, sharing much of the same iconic route as the middle-distance race.

This course is built for speed and rhythm, combining smooth, well-paved roads with gentle rolling sections along Lady Denman Drive and the famous Parks Way stretch between Glenloch Interchange and Kings Avenue Bridge. It’s a course that rewards both power and precision — fast on the flats, flowing through the corners, and perfectly suited to athletes who love to push big gears and test their limits.

Surrounded by Canberra’s natural beauty and lakeside scenery, it’s more than just a race against the clock — it’s an experience that captures the essence of triathlon: fast, focused, and unforgettable.

Click Here to view interactive map

Olympic Distance Run Course – Fast, Scenic, and Full of Energy

The CHALLENGE CANBERRA Olympic run course offers a truly scenic and rewarding experience from its new base at Black Mountain Peninsula. This one-lap route hugs the lake’s edge, showcasing sweeping views and Canberra’s natural beauty as athletes make their way toward Scrivener Dam and back.

While mostly flat and fast, a few gentle rises will test your legs and race strategy — the perfect balance of rhythm and resilience. The course is lined with multiple aid stations roughly every 2 km, including the high-energy Red Bull Station, giving athletes plenty of support when it matters most.

Whether you’re chasing a podium, a personal best, or simply the thrill of racing through one of Canberra’s most picturesque settings, the CHALLENGE CANBERRA Olympic run course delivers a finish you’ll never forget.

Click Here to view interactive map

Sprint Distance Swim – Fast, Scenic, and Spectator-Friendly

The CHALLENGE CANBERRA Sprint Distance kicks off with a single 750m swim lap in the calm waters of Black Mountain Peninsula. Athletes will enjoy a mass start, making for an exciting beginning to the race.

This sheltered section of the lake offers ideal swim conditions, with clear sightlines and minimal chop, perfect for both new and experienced athletes. Spectators will love this venue too — the swim course is easily visible from multiple points along the foreshore, making it one of the most spectator-friendly swim courses in the country.

From the swim exit, athletes complete a short 150m run to transition, ready to hit the bike and continue their Challenge Canberra journey.