Affectionately known as the 'Race in Paradise', the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns is an event featuring a 3.8 km swim at Palm Cove, a 180 km bike ride along the Captain Cook Highway, and a run along the Cairns Esplanade. Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, is the only race in the world where a world heritage-listed rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
Athletes registering early may qualify for Flex90 early entry benefits, which include free deferral, fee-free transfer, and partial refund options when registering on or before 7 October 2026. Entry is open to individuals aged 18 and older on race day.
Transition 1 is situated on the beachfront of Palm Cove. After exiting the water, athletes run to Palm Cove Esplanade to collect their Blue Bike Bag and prepare for the bike leg. Facilities include toilets, accessible toilets, bike pumps, bike mechanics, water, vaseline, sunscreen, first aid, and period products.
The course features a 3.8 km ocean swim (2 laps) at Palm Cove, a 180 km rolling 2-lap bike ride along the Captain Cook Highway past Rex Lookout to Port Douglas and Beor Street, and a flat run along the Cairns Esplanade.
The 3.8km ROKA Swim course is situated at Palm Cove. The course is 2 laps with Swim Start off Williams Esplanade and Swim Exit further North towards transition. Pink buoys mark turn points, while red and orange buoys aid sighting. A self-seeded rolling start is used.
The 180km Zoot bike course exits T1 at Palm Cove heading north along the Captain Cook Highway towards Port Douglas, passing Rex Lookout. Athletes ride through Trezise Road and Spring Creek Road before making a U-turn at Beor Street and completing a second lap.
Log into your IRONMAN Profile and navigate to the Registrations page. Hover over the event of your choice, click on Race Details, and select Tell Us Your Story.
No, IRONMAN full distance races don't have relay entries.
All athletes must be a minimum of 18 years of age as of race day for the event year to compete in this event.
Individuals: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. Relay Teams: Male Team, Female Team, Mixed Team.
No, only registered athletes are allowed into athlete check-in. Please bring your photo ID and triathlon membership card (if applicable) during designated check-in hours.
Yes. However, race organizers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.