The Brutal Triathlons & Seriously Brutal Duathlons

The event starts in the beautiful (and slightly chilly) Lake Padarn. The bike course goes through stunning scenery and over some challenging hills. And finally, the run takes you on an undulating trail round the lake and up and down Wales' highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

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).

When you sign up for a Brutal Triathlon or Duathlon you’re not just entering a race—you’re stepping into one of the toughest endurance challenges in the UK.

There is NO parking on the event field. And as part of the Brutal rules, competitors and their supporters formal car parks and avoid parking in residential areas at all costs. Overnight parking is not permitted at any of the Padarn Country Park sites i.e. Dolbadarn, Gilfach Ddu and Y Glyn. And none of the Gwynedd Council car parks allow people to sleep/ stay overnight in camper vans etc. However, Gwynedd Council’s Lakeside car park allows overnight parking, the lagoons car parks and Nant Peris campsite are also options. You can pay for parking at Gwynedd Council Car Parks either using coins or by using the services of Pay By Phone – it’s advisable to download the Pay By Phone app before arriving on site. Payment by bank card is currently available at our Dolbadarn Car Park and hopefully, by September, at our Gilfach Ddu car park.

The event field is located in Llanberis at the east end of the town. You'll see the Brutal banners at the entrance behind the main bus stop.

• 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

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?!

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

race handbook

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

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