Saerbecker Triathlon 2026

Germany’s oldest triathlon takes place in Saerbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia, in early July. It is a practical, lake-based race: athletes swim in the Saerbecker Badesee, change in the outdoor pool area, and finish there. The programme includes a short public distance (roughly 600 to 700 metres swimming, 20 kilometres cycling, 5 kilometres running) and a Kurzdistanz close to Olympic distance (1,400 metres swimming, 40 kilometres cycling, 10 kilometres running). An Aquabike option is available for those who want the swim and bike without the run. The course stays close to the lake. The swim is open water, with one lap and a turn point for the shorter race and two laps with a short land section for the longer formats. The bike route is flat and partly closed to traffic. The run follows wide paths around the Badesee, including one small climb. W+F Münster organizes the event, drawing club athletes, league teams, age-groupers, and visitors from Germany and abroad; recent fields have numbered around 700 starters. Its history contributes to the appeal: the event began with improvised folding-chair bike racks and now uses modern timing, proper bike racks, measured run routes, and dedicated swim-safety lines.