Right, let’s talk about Ultraman in Australia. It’s three days of swimming, cycling, and running that sounds absolutely barking mad on paper. Ten kilometres in the water, over 400K on a bike, then nearly 85 kilometres on foot to wrap things up. Most people hear about it and think someone’s taking the piss. But then you see the photos of finishers at the end—proper grown adults crying their eyes out—and you start to wonder what all the fuss is about.
It’s Properly Mental (In the Best Way)
We’re talking about a 10K swim, over 400 kilometres on the bike, and then—just for a laugh—an 84-kilometre run to finish things off. Spread that over three days and you’ve got yourself one hell of a weekend. My first reaction? “You’re having a laugh, mate.” But thousands of people sign up for this every year, so clearly there’s something to it.
Three Days of Controlled Chaos
Day one starts with the swim. Ten kilometres. That’s not a typo. Then you hop on your bike for another 145K. Day two? Back on the bike for 276 more kilometres. By day three, your legs are basically jelly, but somehow you’ve got to run the equivalent of two marathons. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? That’s rather the point.
Why Bother with Australia?
Could’ve been anywhere, really. But Australia? Bloody brilliant choice. The coastline alone is worth the trip—even if you weren’t putting yourself through this torture. You’re racing past beaches that look like postcards, through towns where locals actually come out and cheer for you (even though they think you’re completely mad), and the weather’s usually decent enough that you won’t freeze your bits off.
It’s Not Just for Fitness Fanatics
Here’s what surprised me most. Sure, there are proper athletes doing this—people with sponsored kits and coaches and all that. But there’s also accountants, nurses, teachers, and even a bloke who runs a chip shop back home. What they’ve got in common isn’t six-pack abs or fancy gear. It’s this stubborn refusal to settle for comfortable.
Training Will Take Over Your Life
Fair warning: you can’t just rock up and wing this. Most people train for the better part of a year. Your weekends disappear into long rides and longer runs. Your mates stop inviting you out because you’re always “in training.” Your family thinks you’ve joined a cult. And maybe you have, but it’s a cult that gets you in ridiculous shape.
Your Brain Needs Training Too
About 200 kilometres into day two, your body starts sending very clear messages: “Stop. Now. Immediately.” This is where your head earns its keep. You’ve got to have those conversations with yourself—sometimes out loud, which makes you look unhinged, but nobody cares. Mental prep isn’t fluffy nonsense; it’s the difference between finishing and packing it in.
The People You’ll Meet Are Brilliant
There’s this weird thing that happens when you’re all suffering together. Competitive? Sure, a bit. But mostly everyone’s just trying to get through it. You end up chatting to people during the bike legs, sharing snacks,and helping each other through rough patches. I’ve seen people who met on day one become proper mates by day three. Nothing bonds people quite like mutual misery.
Crossing the Finish Line Breaks You (In a Good Way)
Every single person I’ve watched finish has cried. Tough guys, experienced athletes, everyone. Something about proving to yourself that you can do something this ridiculous—it gets you right in the feels. My mate couldn’t even talk for about ten minutes. Just stood there sobbing and grinning like an idiot. Best moment of his life, he reckons.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row
If you’re actually considering this (and good on you if you are), don’t faff about. Get yourself a proper training plan. Join some online groups where people share tips and horror stories. Book your flights early because accommodation fills up fast. Maybe arrive a few days before to sort out jetlag and have a proper look around—it’d be a shame to fly all that way and only see the race course.
Just Do It Already
Life’s too short to play it safe all the time. Will training be hard? Absolutely. Will there be moments during the race when you question every decision that led you there? Count on it. But will you ever regret giving Ultraman in Australia a crack? Not a chance. Sometimes you’ve just got to sign up for something properly bonkers and see what happens. Worst case? You’ll have one hell of a story. Best case? You’ll discover you’re tougher than you ever imagined.
