Course

The World Triathlon Hamburg awaits you with breathtaking courses! In the heart of Hamburg you will swim through the Alster, cycle along famous hotspots to the Elbe and finally run on a circuit along the Außenalster to the finish on the magnificent Rathausmarkt.

Course overview 2025

Distances

• Sprint Distance: 0,5 km Swim, 20 km Bike, 5 km Run
• Standard Distance: 1,5 km Swim, 40 km Bike, 10 km Run

All routes can be viewed on an interactive route map here.

Swim course

Experience the morning charm of Hamburg as you swim in the Alster, framed by some of the most impressive buildings the city has to offer. The start is a water start in the Binnenalster. There is one lap to swim and the first turn is after 650m metres (Standard) / 220m (Sprint).

Please note: A tunnel of approx. 40m length with poor light conditions has to be swum through. The exit is via wide steps and is carpeted, but can still be slippery. You should take care here. The transfer section to the transition area entrance is about 200m long and carpeted and takes you past hundreds of supporters.

Transition Zone

Welcome to what is probably the longest transition area in the world. The transition area is located on Ballindamm and is divided into various starting blocks over 500m. Please be aware of other competitors in the race and those coming towards you. The exit to the bike course is at the back of the transition area at Glockengießerwall. The exit to the run course is at the beginning of the transition area at the Europapassage.

Bike course

The bike course is mainly flat and offers very good asphalt conditions. Here you can show off your scooter qualities. However, 180° turns at the Altona town hall (Standard) and on the Lombardsbrücke (Standard, Sprint) provide technical challenges.

Participants in the standard distance complete three laps; those in the sprint distance complete two laps. The maximum gradient on the course is 5% over 2 x 200m per lap. Both courses take participants past numerous sights such as the Speicherstadt and Landungsbrücken. The section over the Lombardsbrücke bridge offers a wonderful view over the Alster.

Run course

The running course leads from the transition area at Ballindamm via Jungfernstieg and Neuer Jungfernstieg in the direction of Nordern to the Außenalster. The flat course runs along the banks of the Alster, largely on cycle paths and footpaths with asphalt and sandy sections, past magnificent buildings with great views over the Outer Alster and the final reward, an unforgettable finish in front of the magnificent Hamburg City Hall.

Please note: Only limited overtaking possibilities for wheelchair users.

Aid Stations

Sprint distance: swim start, run course (KM 0,5; KM 2,2 & KM 4,0), finish 
Standard distance: swim start, run course (KM 0,5; KM 2,2; KM 4,0, 6,4; KM 9,0), finish

*Subject to changes