Extreme triathlon is a type of triathlon that takes place on extreme courses, including night swimming or swimming in cold water, significant elevation changes and high altitudes in both the cycling and running sections.
One of the characteristics of extreme triathlon is that the races are held in remote and inaccessible locations, which limits the number of participants. Athletes must face extreme weather conditions due to the remoteness of the area and the changes in altitude. In potentially dangerous mountain sections, competitors must carry a backpack with food and emergency clothing in case the weather changes.
In the Canary Islands, the benchmark is the Kos Xtreme Triathlon, which takes place on the island of La Palma; this year, 2026, it was held on June 6th.
Given the nature of this event, in which athletes seek to push their endurance to the limit in a spectacular environment by combining open water swimming, a demanding cycling course with elevation changes of more than 2000 meters, and a running race, and given its international implications, a photographic exhibition has been held concurrently, paying tribute to the spirit and toughness of this extreme sporting event, from June 3 to July 6, 2026, at the FIAP Exhibition Centre “Photographic Association @FOTO La Palma” located in the Los Álamos Park in the municipality of Breña Alta, La Palma, islas Canarias. The photographic exhibition is a tribute to this sporting modality, including works by, among others, the renowned photographer Saúl Santos.