This week in endurance land: Athletes ran fast, broke records, froze in Antarctica, and still made better life choices than the rest of us. Meanwhile, your Strava says “0 activities this week”… but don’t worry, reading this also counts as cardio. Let’s dive in 👇

If Alex Yee's transition from triathlon phenom to marathon monster doesn't scream "versatile beast," what does? The Paris 2024 gold medalist torched Valencia's fast flats with a 2:06:38 seventh overall. "One of the best performances of my life," Yee said post-race, eyes already on LA 2028 tri prep. From swim-bike-run to pure road poetry—

Spencer Matthews: From Made in Chelsea to Made in Antarctica

Spencer Matthews didn't just check off his seventh Ironman-distance tri in seven continents—he shattered records doing it. Project SE7EN wrapped in Antarctica with a 28:51:11 full-distance finish, clocking the fastest 140.6 ever on the ice and across all seven continents (21 days flat). "I did it—Project SE7EN is complete!" From Dubai's desert heat to Rio's vibes, this was 21 days of unfiltered grit. 

No fluff, just fire: The races that had us glued to live trackers...

IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta: Home-soil heroics! Sam Long (USA) owned the men in 3:36:26 with a blistering 1:10:38 run; Kirsten Kasper (USA) debuted with a 4:06:08 women's win—double Yankee Doodle—surprise of the desert. 

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain: Defending duo GTB and Vincent Luis doubled down—her in a world-best 3:51:19 (swim-bike domination, run seal). Luis edged the men by 2+ minutes.

IRONMAN Western Australia: Debut dazzler—Britain's Cameron Main snagged 7:38:26 despite run cramps, nabbing a Kona slot. Lotte Wilms (NLD) gun-to-taped the women in 8:30:50. 

Valencia Marathon: Kenyan crush—John Korir's 2:02:24 men's romp, Joyciline Jepkosgei's 2:14:00 women's edge. But Yee's 2:06:38 stole the tri spotlight.

Patagonman Xtri: Stephen Derrett (GBR) run-ruled to 9:06:02 men's win; Rosie Wild (GBR) crushed women in 10:27:03 (fourth overall). 

December's not done dishing—it's T100 time. The World Tour Grand Final hits Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec 12th, with the swim in the Arabian Gulf, and bike/run snaking Doha and Lusail. Stakes? Sky-high: Hayden Wilde eyes men's crown lock-in; Kate Waugh vs. Julie Derron for women's glory.

Featured 2026 Race: Challenge Family Sir Bani Yas - 31 Jan-1 Feb 

That’s your Split. Until Next Time

The Daily Split Crew

P.S. Forward to a training buddy who's slacking or share your story with us.
🔥 #Together, we go the distance.