The IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay African Championship triathlon features a stunning ocean swim, scenic coastal bike, and beachfront run. Named after the freedom fighter and world icon of peace, Nelson Mandela Bay hosts this returning championship race pulsing with South African spirit, breathtaking courses, and feverish spectator support. The event venue previously hosted the 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
Key event features include Flex90 Early Entry Benefits and status as a World Championship Qualifier. Event date: January 31st, 2027.
Competitors can enter individually or as part of a relay team. All participants in the relay category must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Transition 1 is located in the Hobie Beach parking area. After completing the 1.9 km swim, athletes exit at Hobie Beach, run up the beach and stairs, and turn right into transition. Athletes proceed to their bicycles, collect gear, and prepare for the bike leg. Changing tents are provided (public nudity is strictly prohibited). Mount bicycles only after crossing the designated mount line.
Toilets • Change Tents • Chip Service • Medical Tent • Penalty Box • Bike Mechanics
Transition 2 is located in the Hobie Beach parking lot. Athletes rack their bicycle, prepare for the run, and exit onto the Hobie Beach promenade towards Happy Valley.
Toilets • Change Tents • Chip Service • Medical Tent • Penalty Box • Bike Mechanics
Experience the thrills of race day as a team. Teams consist of two or three athletes, dividing the swim, bike, and run legs.
Swim: 1.9 km (1.2 mile) single-lap course in Algoa Bay starting and ending at Hobie Beach. Bike: 90 km (56 mile) two-loop course along Marine Drive beachfront and city surroundings, combining steady climbs, fast sections, and rolling countryside. Run: 21.1 km (13.1 mile) flat two-loop course along the beachfront pedestrian pathway towards the IRONMAN 70.3 Beach Bridge and Happy Valley.
The 1.9 km (1.2 mile) ROKA swim course takes athletes on a single-lap journey through the waters of Algoa Bay. Starting from the iconic Hobie Beach, athletes swim out towards the Algoa Bay Harbour before making their return to shore, cheered on by the crowds lining the beachfront.
This two-loop 90 km (56 mile) bike course combines steady climbs, fast-flowing sections, and coastal scenery. Athletes ride along Marine Drive beachfront through the city towards the turn point, returning past rugged coastline and rolling countryside back to Hobie Beach.
The flat two-loop 21.1 km (13.1 mile) run course follows the spectator-lined beachfront pathway towards the IRONMAN 70.3 Beach Bridge, climbing a gentle incline at Happy Valley while providing city and ocean views.
Log into your IRONMAN Profile, navigate to the Registrations page, hover over the event, click on Race Details, and click 'Tell Us Your Story'.
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Log in to your IRONMAN Profile at https://my.ironman.com and click 'Registrations' to view your race results and upcoming races. If a race is missing, contact 70.3 support at [email protected].
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The team captain registers the team, selects a name, adds at least one member, and pays the full registration fee at checkout. Invited team members receive a claim link to complete their registration.
Yes. Relay teams must consist of two or three athletes. Two-person teams may divide the swim, bike, and run legs in any combination.
No. Each athlete may only compete on one relay team per event.
No. Relay teams may include athletes of different ages and genders. All participants must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Only the team captain may request team changes by emailing event support with the name of the member to be removed and the full name/email of the replacement at least 10 days before race day.
Team captains can resend invitation emails via their IRONMAN profile under Registrations > Race Details > Manage Registration > Registration Claims using the 'Resend emails for unclaimed registrations' button.
Relay team captains may be eligible for a partial refund depending on the timing of withdrawal. Full refund details and deadlines are available on the Relay Teams page.
Yes. All relay team members must attend athlete onsite registration together and present a valid photo ID.
All relay team members must present a valid photo ID. Any outstanding team changes must be submitted via email before registration.
No. Each relay team receives one timing chip that acts as a relay baton passed between team members in transition.
Each relay team member is responsible for managing their own equipment for their race leg. Specific transition setup and bag usage details are provided on the event's relay page.
There is a dedicated relay area in transition where team members exchange the timing chip between legs.