Not exactly — it's a multisport event with a similar spirit but a more flexible format. A traditional triathlon is a single continuous race (swim, bike, run). The Drowned Island Challenge replaces the bike leg with paddleboarding, and has breaks between each race.

There are six races over two days with one run, swim, and paddle each day. You can also just compete in the runs, swims, or paddles. There's no transition zone pressure — just racing, beach parties, and Anegada lobster.

Six events take place across two days: two runs (12 km and 7.5 km), two open-water swims (1 km each), and two paddleboard races (4.5 km each). A bonus Beach Beer Mile rounds off the weekend before prize-giving. You can enter all six events, or focus on just running, swimming, or paddleboarding.

The Drowned Island Challenge 2026 takes place on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026 on the island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. The host venue is Anegada Beach Club — the #1 guest rated accommodation in the BVI — on the island's stunning north shore.

Both. The Drowned Island Challenge welcomes everyone from competitive athletes chasing podium spots to first-timers who just want to experience Anegada in an active way. The multi-discipline format means you can push hard in your strongest sport and take it easy in others. The beach parties, Beach Beer Mile, and family downtime make it a great trip even if you're not racing at the front.

The Beach Beer Mile is a fun bonus event on the final afternoon before prize-giving. It does not count toward the overall Poseidon and Amphitrite awards — it's purely for fun. Participation is optional.

A beer mile is a 1-mile (1.6 km) drinking race combining running and speed drinking. The race begins with the consumption of a 12-US-fluid-ounce (355 ml) beer, followed by a lap of running — repeated four times. Following the completion of the fourth lap (and four beers), a competitor has finished the race.

The top overall male and female performers across all five qualifying races (excluding the Beach Beer Mile) receive the Poseidon and Amphitrite awards respectively. Individual discipline awards are given to the top male and female in running, swimming, and paddleboarding. Team and junior category prizes are also presented at the prize-giving ceremony.

No. You can enter the full event (all six disciplines), or sign up for just the running, swimming, or paddleboard races. There is also a team-of-three category where athletes split the disciplines between them, and a junior category for competitors aged 12–18.

Entry fees start from $160 and vary depending on whether you enter for one day or both, and which disciplines you choose. All competitors receive a 20% discount on accommodation at Anegada Beach Club and activities with Tommy Gaunt. Full-event and team entry packages are available. See the Entry Fees page for current pricing.

No. You can rent a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) from Tommy Gaunt when you sign up for the race. A SUP rental is also included as part of the Horizon Yacht Charters sail-and-compete package. If you have your own board you are welcome to bring it.

With the exception of terminal illness (for yourself), death of family member, or pregnancy deferral, we do not offer refunds, transfers, or deferment of race entries within 90 days of event. Prior to 90 days of event, a 50% credit towards a future race will be given. Prior to six months of event, a full credit towards a future race can be given. Credit must be used within 1 year of original race date. Pregnancy, Terminal Illness is offered for 2 years.

Anegada is reached by small aircraft, boat or ferry. Fly into Tortola (EIS) or St Thomas (STT) via major airlines, then connect to Anegada (NGD) on Island Birds, Fly BVI, Cape Air, or Air Sunshine. Charter flights are also available direct to Anegada from San Juan, St Croix, St Thomas and St Maarten. By sea, Horizon Yacht Charters offers a sail-and-compete week on a catamaran, and the BVI ferry runs from Tortola's Road Town dock. See our full Getting to Anegada guide.

The event host is Anegada Beach Club (ABC), located right on the beach where much of the racing takes place. Registered competitors receive a 20% room discount on beachfront palapa retreats and garden or poolside rooms. Horizon Yacht Charters also offers a sail-and-compete package where you sleep aboard a private catamaran moored off Anegada for the week.

There is also other accommodation on the island, with Ann's Cottages nearby at Cow Wreck Beach.

Absolutely. The event is designed with plenty of downtime built in between races, and Anegada Beach Club is a full resort with a pool, spa, restaurant, and beautiful beaches. There is a junior category for competitors aged 12–18. Non-competing family members are welcome to stay at ABC and enjoy the island while athletes race.