IRONMAN has unveiled its newest race location in Spain with the launch of the IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia triathlon, set to take place on April 21, 2024, with general registration opening on October 5, 2023.
The new event marks the first time that a triathlon operated by The IRONMAN Group will be held in Valencia, which becomes the sixth Spanish host city in the international full distance and 70.3 series. Other Spanish locations include: Barcelona, Lanzarote, Mallorca, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Marbella.
As part of this new addition to the Spanish racing calendar, the IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella triathlon, which traditionally takes place in May, will now take place on October 27, 2024, with registration also opening in October.
With a finish line alongside the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (‘City of Arts and Sciences’), in Valencia, IRONMAN notes that… ‘The IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia triathlon will be a true city race that will enable athletes to soak up everything Valencia has to offer.
‘Starting with a sea swim in the Valencia Marina, a bike course through Serra de la Calderona – a stunning mountain range just 20km from the centre of Valencia – and finally a run along the beautiful Túria River path, this race is a fusion of iconic city views and lush green nature.’
Rocio Gil, Councillor for Sports of the City of Valencia, said “With this announcement we take another step to position our city as a sports reference point at an international level. And we do it hand in hand with one of the best known and most recognized brands in the sports world, IRONMAN, whom I want to thank for their commitment and interest in landing in our city.
“With the arrival of this event to the city’s sports calendar for the next three years, it demonstrates the enormous attraction that Valencia has for organizers, participants and the sports public, [showing] our organizational capacity and putting in value our infrastructure, tourism, gastronomy and leisure.”
Qualifying slots for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon in Taupō,
New Zealand, will be available for participants in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia.
- Athletes will complete a 1.9 km (1.2-mile) ROKA swim course in the Marina de Valencia. With sheltered waters, estimated water temperatures between 16ºC and 18ºC, and spectator hotspots, athletes should also expect to enjoy smooth swim conditions.
- The single loop FulGaz bike course offers a mix of flat stretches and challenging terrains as athletes ride from T1, located by the harbour at Marina de Valencia towards Sierra Calderona and back to Ciudad de las Artes where T2 awaits. Over the 90km (56 mile) route, there is 700m of elevation gain.
- The 21.1 km (13.1-mile) HOKA run course follows a two-lap route with 225m of elevation spread out along the route. Starting from T2 at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, athletes will run along the Túria River path and through Túria Gardens, one of the largest urban parks in Spain.
After completing the second lap, athletes will pass the architecture of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, such as the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic.
Thomas Veje Olsen, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group in Europe, Middle East and Africa said “We are delighted to add Valencia to our IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon family. We have long had our eyes on this city as an ideal host for one of our events, and thanks to the City of Valencia, Valencia City Council, and the Department of Sports and Tourism, combined with the growing interest of triathlon in Spain we have finally made it happen.
“We very much look forward to welcoming local and international athletes alike to what promises to be an exciting inaugural edition of the race in April.”
Located on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain. It is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. In addition to its architecture, natural backdrop and cultural heritage, Valencia is a premier sporting destination having hosted some of the biggest global sport events and brands, including football, motorsport, road running, and triathlon.
Valencia’s Manises Airport is 8km west of the city centre, offering over 50 flights to various destinations including Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, and many Spanish cities.
