Experience IRONMAN South Africa in Nelson Mandela Bay, host to Africa's most renowned triathlon. Celebrating over 20 years of triathlon history, this flagship championship event brings together world-class athletes and incredible spectator support along a postcard-perfect beachside destination.
The event features a 3.8 km swim at Hobie Beach, a scenic yet challenging 180 km bike ride along Marine Drive, and a flat 42.2 km run along Nelson Mandela Bay's beachfront promenade.
Eligibility Note: All athletes must be a minimum of 18 years of age as of race day to compete in this event.
Transition is located at the Hobie Beach Parking Lot. Services and facilities provided in transition include:
The race features a 3.8 km two-lap ocean swim at Hobie Beach with a short Australian exit, heading towards Algoa Bay Harbour. The 180 km three-loop bike course goes along Marine Drive through the city and coastal villages with steady to challenging sections, fast descents, and ocean views. The 42.2 km four-loop run course is flat along the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront promenade, passing through Happy Valley.
The 3.8 km (2.4 mile) ROKA swim course features a two-lap layout separated by a short Australian exit. Athletes head out from iconic Hobie Beach swimming towards Algoa Bay Harbour before returning to crowd support along Hobie Beach walls to either begin the second lap or exit into transition.
The 180 km (112 mile) three-loop ISUZU bike course offers steady to challenging sections and fast descents. Athletes ride along Marine Drive through the city and surrounding villages, enjoying ocean views, rugged coastlines, and countryside scenery before returning to Hobie Beach.
The flat four-loop 42.2 km (26.2 mile) HOKA run course takes athletes along Nelson Mandela Bay's spectator-lined beachfront promenade. The route leads along a pedestrian pathway to the IRONMAN beach bridge and up the incline of Happy Valley before concluding at the Hobie Beach finish line.
The Athlete Guide has you covered. It contains all the essential information to ensure a great race experience, from course maps to packet pick-up details.
No, IRONMAN full distance races don't have relay entries.
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+.
The athlete check-In location and hours can be found in the event schedule or in the athlete guide.
No, only registered athletes are allowed into athlete check-in. Please bring your photo ID and triathlon membership card (if applicable) during the designated check-in hours. All athletes must check-in during designated hours, no exceptions.
All qualifying events will implement the International Triathlon rule: All age group athletes must compete in their age group division corresponding to the athlete's age on December 31st of the year of the event.
All athletes must be a minimum of 18 years of age as of race day for the event year to compete in this event.
No, we do not have a waiting list.
Unfortunately, due to high congestion in the finish line area, no spectators will be allowed. Please do not try to gain access to this area, as it must remain clear for the safety of the athletes. Before the event, you and your athlete should decide on a meeting place for after they have finished.
No. There will be a medical information tent next to the medical tent where medical updates will be available on athletes who enter the medical tent.