From Weathered Warriors to 2026 Hardman Finishers: Take on Ireland’s Only Full Distance Triathlon
This year’s Hardman Killarney Full Distance Triathlon will be remembered as one of the toughest in the event’s 15-year history. With wild Atlantic winds rolling through Kerry and a small craft warning in place, race officials made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the swim for athletes’ safety.
While conditions pushed competitors to their limits, the heart of the race – the stunning cycle on the Ring of Kerry and run routes through Killarney National Park – once again proved why this is considered Ireland’s ultimate endurance test.
Why Come Back in 2026?
For many, the disappointment of missing the swim is fuel for the fire. The Full Distance demands a year of preparation – mentally, physically, and emotionally. And that’s exactly what makes this race so special: every finisher has a story, every entry is a commitment, and every year brings a new chapter.
On Saturday 29th August 2026, the challenge will return in its entirety – 3.8km of swimming, 180km of cycling, and a full marathon to finish – all set against the raw beauty of Kerry’s landscape. For those who braved 2025’s conditions, next year is your chance to complete the full test. For those who watched from the sidelines or followed online, it’s your opportunity to prove yourself on Ireland’s only Full Distance Triathlon.
And there’s more:
- €15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs, rewarding not just toughness but performance at the highest level.
- Live tracking will keep athletes and supporters connected in real time.
- Personalised race numbers – your supporters and fellow athletes can cheer you on by name, and they’ll make a fantastic souvenir after the event.
Why Travel Abroad When Ireland Has the Ultimate Test?
Many Irish athletes travel overseas to take on 70.3 and full-distance races. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to leave the country to test yourself at the highest level. In Killarney, you’ll:
- Race in Ireland’s only Full Distance event.
- Take on a course that is as beautiful as it is brutal.
- Compete without the hassle of foreign travel – we speak your language, and your supporters can be there on the day.
- Join a community of athletes who value toughness, honesty, and the challenge itself.
One Year to Prepare
A Full Distance triathlon isn’t a decision you make lightly. Most athletes need a year – if not more – to build the endurance, strength, and mindset required to finish. Now is the moment to commit.
If you’ve ever dreamed of completing the ultimate test, 29th August 2026 is the date to mark on your calendar. You’ll not only earn the title of Hardman, but you’ll also stand among the few who can say they’ve conquered Ireland’s only Full Distance triathlon.
Are You Ready?
Entries for the Hardman Killarney Full Distance 2026 are now open. Whether you return to finish what was started in 2025, or you’re stepping up to the challenge for the first time, this is your chance to prove yourself where it matters most – at home, in Ireland.
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