Ironman 70.3 Les Sables-d'Olonne-Vendée

Ironman 70.3 Les Sables-d'Olonne-Vendée begins on the Atlantic beach facing Les Atlantes, leading athletes into the Vendée Globe canal for a 1.9 km swim. This Half Ironman in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a seaside resort in Vendée, features the standard 113 km distance: a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, and 21 km run. The event takes place in late June as part of the Ironman 70.3 series, attracting competitive age-group triathletes and those seeking a significant coastal race. The bike course crosses the Olonnaise marshes and forest, accumulating over 600 metres of elevation gain from rolling terrain rather than steep ascents. The run route stays near the town, following the Remblai des Sables d’Olonne and two circuits around the Tanchet lake promenade, concluding with a 200-metre stretch on the main beach. Supporters gather along the canal during the swim, and finishers receive a medal and a beer at the finish line. An IRONKIDS race is also part of the event. It offers 40 age-group qualification slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and has been recognized as the second-best Ironman 70.3 race globally.