Spirit of 78 Triathlon

The Spirit of 78 Triathlon is a small long-distance triathlon in Porto, Portugal, following the Douro River between Porto and Gondomar. It begins and ends at Freixo, featuring a full iron-distance format: a 4,200 m open-water swim, 180 km cycling, and a marathon run. With only 80 entries, it offers a more intimate atmosphere than a typical large race. The event intentionally mirrors the original Hawaii triathlon's ethos: friends monitor the swim from boats, cyclists navigate open roads adhering to traffic laws, and participants provide their own nutrition. Returning finishers receive priority, and organizers favor those who race on steel bikes and wear period attire. A few spots are reserved for applicants whose written motivations highlight the event's character, emphasizing narrative and attitude alongside performance.