Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice and this course will have both on display as it takes place in and around Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of the most highly recommended tourist areas in the country.

Those tackling an extreme triathlon are well aware that most organizers ask athletes to have a flexible mindset. The water is often cold, and combined with the likelihood of inhospitable weather, courses are often modified (though not necessarily shortened) to keep athletes safe. The 2.4-mile saltwater swim takes place in not-easy-to-say Kolgrafartjördur Cove.

Full length wetsuits are mandatory and other neoprene accessories like booties, hoods and gloves are all strongly recommended with water temps expected to be 50-55 degrees.

The bike course deviates from the standard iron-distance template and is listed as being 121.5-miles long. The course is not contrived and breaks the mold of a 112-mile course because, well, because that is what the roads on the island dictate the course should be. This is one of the most refreshing aspects of races coming out of Scandinavia and we have written often on this category called Subversive Tri.

The bike will feature rolling hills and takes athletes around the perimeter of the Snæfellsjökull National Park with massive glaciers as well as lava fields and lava tubes on display.

The run course starts and finishes in the town of Olafsvik, a coastal town offering panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.

The course is an out and back that goes up and over the Snæfellsjökull Mountain to the town of Arnarstapi before returning back over the mountain.

Perhaps you'll see Iceland's famous inhabitants, the Icelandic ponies, out on course...

...or get ushered through the countryside by these friendly tour guides.