Ironman 70.3 2026

Ironman 70.3 is a long-distance triathlon series defined by 70.3 miles. Each race includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, with each segment being half the distance of a full Ironman. Races occur globally and lead to an Ironman 70.3 World Championship, where athletes qualify through events held over the preceding 12 months. Regional championships are also held for Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Elite athletes can finish in under four hours, while the typical cutoff for most participants is 8 hours and 30 minutes from the start. The format is challenging but more accessible than a full Ironman, attracting professionals, dedicated age-group competitors, and athletes aiming for longer distances. The bike leg is non-drafting, requiring riders to maintain position outside the 10-by-2-meter draft zone and prohibiting side-by-side riding. The series originated from races previously known as Half Ironman, with the first branded event taking place in Llanberis, Wales. The Ironman 70.3 name has been in use since 2005. The series grew rapidly from a few qualifying races to many across the world. An official world record for all 70.3 races does not exist because courses are not uniformly certified, and performance can be significantly influenced by terrain, weather, and the exact bike course distance.