
Overview
Race IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay African Championship triathlon featuring a stunning ocean swim, scenic coastal bike and beachfront run.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES Nelson Mandela Bay - named after the freedom fighter and world icon of peace, hosts the returning IRONMAN 70.3 race. An African Championship race that pulses with South African spirit, experience the breathtaking courses and feverish support at this postcard perfect beachside destination. A course that boasted the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship back in 2018. A triathlon legacy that continues on in the city.
Race categories
113K
IRONMAN 70.3
- Route
Swim
Bay
Bike
Rolling
Run
Rolling
Typical race-day conditions
Air 19–26 °C · Water 20 °CSwim course
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. Exiting at Hobie Beach, athletes will then head onto the next leg of the course.Bike course
The ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay African Championship bike course is arguably one of the most spectacular courses on the global IRONMAN 70.3 circuit. This two-loop 90 km (56 mile) bike course showcases the best of Nelson Mandela Bay, combining steady climbs, fast-flowing sections, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Athletes will ride along the picturesque Marine Drive beachfront before heading through the city and surrounding areas towards the turning point. The return journey offers sweeping ocean views, rugged coastline, and rolling countryside, creating a memorable and rewarding ride all the way back to Hobie Beach, where athletes will transition onto the run course.Run course
The flat two-loop 21.1 km (13.1 mile) SALOMON run course takes athletes along Nelson Mandela Bay’s beautiful, spectator-lined beachfront. The course follows the pedestrian pathway towards the iconic IRONMAN 70.3 Beach Bridge before climbing the gentle incline at Happy Valley. Athletes will enjoy a mix of city and ocean views as they complete two laps of the course, supported by enthusiastic spectators along the route. After the second lap, athletes will make their way back along the beachfront to the unforgettable Hobie Beach Finish Line.
Update history
3 Oct 2026
Venue changed: Port Elizabeth, South Africa → IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth
3 Oct 2026
Time changed: 31 January at 0:00 → 31 January at 4:00
IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay
Sun, 31 Jan 2027