Rait Ratasepp’s 60 140.6s in 60 Days

Rait Ratasepp, a European endurance athlete known for his ultra-based feats, has recently completed 60 IM distance triathlons in 60 days using traditional long-course triathlon rules. He completed the effort with an average finishing time of 10:57:40, including an average 3:15 marathon per day.

Ratasepp's attempt utilized the Playitas Resort in the Canary Islands, and included swimming in their 50-meter pool, riding a loop around the island, and then completing the run running around the Resort itself.

The attempt was not without incident — on Day 14, Ratasepp had a crash involving a car that totaled his Scott Plasma. Ratasepp rode the next few days on borrowed equipment until his bike was replaced. Day 14 was one of only two days where Ratasepp exceeded 12 hours on his attempt, finishing in just over 14 hours that day.

Ratasepp followed the IUTA (International Ultra Triathlon Association) rules — which include anti-doping provisions, require no drafting on the bike, and limits on how aid can be rendered to the athlete during the course of the competitive event.

It is the year of ultra-based challenges in triathlon. First, James "Iron Cowboy" Lawrence came up with and completed his 100/100 Challenge — and actually added a 101st to the attempt because, in his own words on a recent Rich Roll podcast, "why not?"

Many, including those in our forum, criticized the attempt for not following "traditional" triathlon rules, including but not limited to allowing drafting on the bike, exceeding the time limits set during the course of a typical 140.6, and occasionally using intravenous fluids for recovery in conflict with current WADA regulations. That said, though — his challenge, his rules, and he did in fact complete them.