Outlaw Ironman July 27th 2025

NO WAY!

The big news this month in the triathlon world in the UK: Ironman vs. Outlaw. This topic has been debated in many forums, with supporters of both sides passionately voicing their opinions. You are reading this because you are in the Triathlon community. You probably already know which Event you are doing next year. 

So, What Happened?

Ironman is bringing back a full-distance triathlon to England in 2025. The last full-distance event was held in Bolton in 2023, and its absence from the 2024 calendar was heavily scrutinised. Ironman recently announced that the 2025 event will take place in Leeds on July 27th—the same day as the Outlaw full-distance event.

This means two long-distance triathlons on the same day, in the same country, just 70 miles apart.

What is a Full/Long distance Triathlon?

Simply put

3.8km Swim - 180km Bike - 42.2km Run

That is the Full/Long distance Triathlon. 

Who are Ironman and Outlaw?

Ironman is the most recognisable brand in triathlon. So much so that the name "Ironman" transcends the sport and the various race lengths. Telling someone you've done a full-distance triathlon requires an explanation. Telling someone you've completed an Ironman does not. Ironman has branded middle- and long-distance triathlons remarkably well since its inception in the 1970s in Hawaii.

Outlaw is an awards winning events company based in Nottingham that organises various physical events throughout the year, including sprint and middle-distance triathlons, 10Ks, swim-only events, run-only events, cross-country, and, of course, the full long-distance triathlon. It started as a small business in 2010.

Several other events companies in the UK also run full-distance triathlon events, including Outlaw, Wild Deer (Geordieman), Eastbourne, Lakesman, The Northumbrian, and, of course, Ironman Wales and Ironman Leeds.

People may not know what a Full distance Triathlon is. They may have an understanding that a Ironman is an incredibly long event and a big achievement. To their credit, Ironman have a strong brand and association within Triathlon. If it wasn’t for Ironman in the 1970s Triathlon wouldn’t be what it is today. 

ChatGPT estimates that hosting a full-distance triathlon can cost between £1million and £2million, which explains why entry fees range from £200 to £800. It gives you an idea of the P&L line. It’s why there are multiple sponsors for any given event. It’s why a coffee at an events expo will cost about £6. The cost is astronomical. The logistics are mind blowing. The staff, volunteers and vendors etc do an incredible job for making most events run without incident. 

Full Disclosure

I am an ambassador for Outlaw Triathlon. It's in my interest to promote Outlaw as a company, brand, and experience. My values have always been to support local businesses, stemming from my experience as a small business owner. I'd rather shop at the local butcher than at Tesco and prefer buying coffee from Wildfire over Costa. That said, if there was a full-distance triathlon on the West Coast of Scotland by ANY brand, bet your life I would be first on the list.

I booked Ironman Lanzarote in 2020, but it was cancelled.

My first full-distance event was in Eastbourne “IronBourne” in 2021.

I completed Outlaw Full Distance in 2022 and became an Outlaw Ambassador in 2023.

Which event is the best?

The numbers show that Outlaw is the biggest triathlon events company in the UK, while Ironman is a global brand. More people in the UK participate in Outlaw triathlons than in any other brand's events. In the USA alone, it's reported that 16,000 people completed an Ironman (middle and long distance) in 2023. Ironman (Full) Bolton had nearly 2,000 participants in 2019, while Outlaw had around 1,600 in the same year.

The Controversy

The outcry here is that Ironman has scheduled its event on the same day as Outlaws. The reality is that “most” people will never complete a full-distance triathlon—it’s less than 0.1% of the population. Most full-distance triathletes will do only one Full event per year, with only pros and elite athletes considering more than one. Even they typically space their races at least 3–6 months apart.

Since Ironman Bolton was usually held in June/July—the same month Outlaw holds its full-distance event—it's unlikely that anyone would have participated in both events. Historically, people would choose between Ironman Bolton or Outlaw Nottingham if they wanted to do a full-distance triathlon in July.

Are More People Doing Full-Distance Triathlons?

This is debatable. There are certainly more people participating in triathlons overall, as widely reported by British Triathlon over the past two years. I predict this number will increase further due to the Olympics and the success of British athletes. Hopefully, for the industry, that will include all Triathlon distances over time. 

In my five years of experience in the sport, full-distance triathlon is going through some challenges. The trend now is to seek fast courses. It’s no longer enough to say, "I completed an Ironman/Outlaw/Eastbourne." People want a "flex" to go along with it. I am guilty of this too—I am eager to go sub-12 hours in a full-distance event. This year, I was unable to compete, but I am confident I could have gone sub-11 hours. Why? I Choose a fast course.

What Makes a Fast Course?

- Lake Swim (although sea swims with favourable conditions can make you rapid)

- Flat cycle with no wind (road surfaces can be a game changer. Mallorca, Lanzarote and Tallinn are known to have fabulous surfaces to cycle on)

- Flat run with multiple 3-6 loops (loops help pacing for athletes)

Is Ironman Leeds going to be fast?

We don’t know yet, as the routes haven't been released. According to Google, Leeds is not flat.

Is Outlaw Nottingham going to be fast?

The wind will decide! It's a flat-ish cycle and runs, but Nottingham winds in July are notorious and can either work for or against you.

But It's Not About Being Fast

Unless you’re a pro competing for prize money, completing a full-distance triathlon is an immense achievement. It requires dedication to train for 9–12 months and the mental fortitude to remain disciplined, especially during winter. Balancing 10–20 hours of weekly training with work and family life is no small feat.

If you complete a full-distance triathlon, you’ve done something truly special—something less than 0.1% of the population will ever consider.

The Question On Social Media Right Now:

Outlaw vs. Ironman?

The two have always coexisted in the same month. In 2025, they'll be on the same day. The question has always been, “Which one will I do?”

For comparison, in 2025, the London and Manchester Marathon will be held on the same day. There was even talk of setting a world record for the most marathons completed in one country on a single day. In an ideal world, Outlaw and Ironman could collaborate to raise the profile of triathlon, but I know that won’t happen.

Making Your Choice

If you’re planning to do a full-distance triathlon next year, you have a choice to make: Which Event Will I Do? And there are loads to unpack here…

- Which brand will you choose?

- Which city will you choose?

- Which course will you choose?

- What are your priorities? Fast courses? Travel distance? The tattoo do you want afterwards? Finishing or getting a fast time? Which month suits you? There are two full-distance events in June, one in September, and two in July.

- Cost and value for money?

- and so many other variables

Organising a full-distance triathlon costs over £1 million, so entry fees range from £200 to £800. There’s a lot to consider.

Me?

I will be doing Outlaw Full in 2025 and Ironman Lanzarote in 2026.

Why?

They align with my values, needs, and life goals. I want a FAST full-distance time. I want a European Full Distance which doubles as a holiday.

I will be Coaching athletes for Ironman Full and Outlaw Full next year. I would love to get many people through their first Full Distance Triathlon in what will be my first year as an Endurance & Triathlon Coach. 

You?

Doing a full-distance triathlon is MONUMENTAL Whether you do the World Championships in Hawaii with Ironman and 6000 athletes or a local self-run event with no other competitors around your town, you will push your body and mind to their absolute limits.

Of Course, I am an ambassador for Outlaw. But before that. Before Triathlon

I am an ambassador for Sport, Health and Fitness. 

If you read this blog because you want me to tell you whether Outlaw or Ironman is better then I am sorry to disappoint. They are both epic. Triathlon is epic. The people you will meet are epic. The community is epic. 

There are several different factors which could sway you towards Ironman Leeds, Outlaw Nottingham or Neither.

I have one athlete who wasn’t going to do a full next year, but her home city is Leeds.

She grew up there.

She wants to do the FIRST-ever Leeds Ironman in her home town.

What a moment and incentive. 

I believe that EVERYONE should be exercising, training and doing events which are exciting for them. The more the better. The more we lower the barrier of entry the better for us all, and this isn’t Triathlon specific.

One Full distance Triathlon is another person’s day 1 in the gym. Or day 1 at walking ParkRun. 

Call yourself an Outlaw, an Ironman, a Lakesman, a Geordieman, or any other fun-filled term. If you complete a full-distance triathlon, the people who matter most to you will be in your corner. You don't need a fancy title, medal, or tattoo. You just need your support team.

If you tell me you have completed a Full-distance Triathlon, I will know this. I won’t need to ask you what brand, which city, or what was your time. I won’t be interested in your tattoo plans.

BUT

I will ask you “Do you want to get a coffee and we can debrief your race?” I will let you spill the whole thing over several cups of coffee and plenty of cake. You’ve earned it.

Triathletes know.

When deciding which full-distance triathlon to do, there’s only one thing you need to consider: 

Do You, For You.

And if you want;
I will be your Coach. Not just for Ironman. Not just for Outlaw. I will be your Coach for you. 9-12 months of training for a full distance is the agreed sweet spot.

Book a call HERE or Complete this form below