Hey Team —
Coach Patrick here with your official May race preview. It’s go time. May is packed with epic races and unpredictable weather. We’re heading into the heart of race season full throttle.
Whether you’re racing or spectating, this is your go-to guide. We also covered these races in this week’s video — catch the replay on YouTube:
Endurance Nation YouTube Channel »
Race Calendar: May 2025 Highlights
Here’s your snapshot of this month’s marquee events. Mark your calendars and bookmark the links:
May 4 – Ironman Australia
River swim, rolling bike, flat run. Classic coastal race.
May 10 – Mega Saturday:
- Ironman 70.3 Mallorca
- Ironman 70.3 St. George
- Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast
- Battenkill Gravel
- Ironman Lanzarote
May 18 – Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga
River swim, rolling course, and Southern heat.
May 24 – BWR Utah
127.5 miles of brutal, high-altitude gravel racing in Cedar City.
May 25 – Ironman 70.3 Victoria
Lake swim, clean roads, fast run. Hidden gem in Canada.
May 31 – Ironman 70.3 Hawaii (Honu)
Queen K bike course with heat and hills. A must-race at least once.
Race Focus: Ironman 70.3 St. George
One of the toughest half-distance triathlons on U.S. soil. It’s hot, hilly, and unforgiving.
This year marks the final edition of the North American Championship in St. George, closing a major chapter in the city’s triathlon legacy.
Course & Conditions:
- Challenging swim at Sand Hollow Reservoir.
- Bike course includes rolling terrain and steep climbs, finishing with the infamous Snow Canyon ascent — half of the course’s elevation gain happens here.
- The run features gradual climbs and rolling hills. Pacing and nutrition are critical.
Pro Women’s Spotlight:
- Paula Findlay (CAN), defending champion and Oceanside winner.
- Lotte Wilms (NED), a strong swimmer and proven 70.3 racer.
- Chelsea Sodaro, Jackie Hering, Danielle Lewis, Lisa Becharas, and Vittoria Lopes round out a stacked field.
St. George Pro Tips:
- Be Calm Early (Bike): The admin loop is deceptively tough. No hero moves.
- Pace the Climbs (Bike): Key segments are at miles 17, 23, 34, and Snow Canyon at mile 46.
- Break the Run into Thirds:
- 0–3 miles: Settle in.
- 3–10.5 miles: Uphill grind.
- 10.5–13.1: Let gravity and grit carry you home.
This race rewards discipline, patience, and smart fueling.
Ironman 70.3 St. George
Race Focus: Belgian Waffle Ride – Utah
Cedar City hosts the “Hell of the Southwest” — a 128-mile, high-altitude gravel challenge that’s 92% off-road: sand, rocks, dirt, singletrack, and water crossings. This is not just a gravel race — it’s a full-body test of endurance, bike handling, and fueling strategy.
Course & Conditions:
- Only nine short road segments; the rest is rugged terrain with 7,500 feet of climbing.
- Features punchy climbs, rocky singletrack, and racing at altitude.
- Feed zones every ~20 miles stocked with essentials.
BWR Utah Survival Tips:
- The first climb is technical and early. Position well to stay clear of chaos.
- Kanarraville climb late in the race features steep grades and loose dust.
- The Tolweg singletrack near the finish tests your skills — mountain bikers will excel here.
- Equipment choices matter: a dedicated gravel setup is ideal.
Why BWR Utah Stands Out:
- It’s a true “Unroad Race” — dirt and gravel dominate.
- Part of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, attracting top talent and ambitious amateurs alike.
How to Survive (and Thrive):
- Start Smart: The first 30 miles are intense. Don’t blow up early.
- Mid-Race = Make or Break: Miles 65–85 are rough. Stay steady, stay fueled.
- Final 15 = Mental Game: Execute while others fade. Stay focused and finish strong.
This isn’t just a ride — it’s a masterclass in pacing and mindset.
BWR Utah
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s triathlon or gravel, this month is about execution.
- Know your course
- Build your plan
- Stick to it when it hurts
Fitness gets you to the line. Execution gets you across it.
Let us know what you’re racing this month. Got questions? Drop them on Instagram (@teamendurancenation), hit us up on Facebook, or comment on the YouTube video.
Let’s go make May legendary.
Train smart. Race smarter.
— Coach Patrick
Endurance Nation
