The Restless Gravel Triathlon
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Overview
The Restless Gravel XTRI is an extreme gravel triathlon located in the Arrochar Alps of Scotland. The course follows historic drover's roads once used for moving highland cattle, featuring a route through technical terrain and significant elevation gains. This event represents the birth of gravel racing within the XTRI World Tour, combining traditional triathlon elements with rugged off-road surfaces.
Event Distance and Course
The race consists of three distinct segments:
- 1.8 km swim in a deep loch starting from the shores of an ancient castle.
- 50 km gravel bike ride through the Arrochar Alps with approximately 2000m of total ascent.
- 25 km mountain run finishing at the summit of Ben Donich with 1200m of elevation gain.
The cycling portion includes a specific section known as Glen Gruel, which consists of a 5 km technical stretch. The final run follows mountain trails to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass area. The bike course is designed specifically for gravel racing, requiring participants to navigate terrain that is more technical than standard road triathlon routes.
Location and Environment
The event is held in a landscape rich with local lore and highland history. The swim takes place in water deep enough to host military submarines, while the run and bike legs utilize the steep, mountainous geography of the Scottish Highlands. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
