IRONMAN has announced that the ALUFAR IRONMAN 70.3 Baku Azerbaijan triathlon will join its global circuit on September 5, 2026. The capital city of Azerbaijan will host the first ever IRONMAN-branded triathlon in the post-Soviet region.
The event will feature a unique midday race start, concluding with a concert in downtown Baku on Saturday evening. Average temperatures in September are noted to be around 21–26°C. Registration for the inaugural event opens on October 23, 2025.
Baku city, described as a vibrant cultural fusion of East and West, is already an international sporting destination, having hosted the Baku Formula 1 Grand Prix.
ROKA Swim Course
The race begins with a single 1.9 km (1.2-mile) rectangular loop in the waters off Baku’s Caspian Sea shoreline. Starting and finishing from Bayil Burnu, athletes can expect calm, beginner-friendly conditions thanks to the protected waters of Baku Bay. Athletes will exit the water and make their way into transition, situated next to Stat Flag Park and the Baku Crystal Hall.
ZOOT Bike Course
The 90km bike course is a two-loop out and back, taking athletes through Baku and the surrounding countryside. Riders will see a mix of cityscapes and expansive northern roads, passing the Bibi-Heybat Mosque. The course combines flat stretches for speed, with rolling ascents to test endurance.
HOKA Run Course
The run course consists of three 7km loops along the harbour waterfront of Baku. The route features gentle elevation with a total gain of only 15m, ensuring a fast finish. The course passes sights such as the historic Old City and runs alongside stretches of the Baku F1 Grand Prix circuit. The finish line will be on Baku Boulevard.
Farid Farhadzade, owner of ALUFAR IRONMAN 70.3 Baku triathlon event and President of the Azerbaijan Triathlon Federation, said “This race will not only be about endurance and pushing limits but also embody what we call ‘Unlimited Joy.’
“Athletes will experience a truly memorable race as they pass the city’s iconic landmarks, witness the modern face of Baku, embrace the spirit of the Old City, and cross the finish line at sunset.”
Thomas Veje Olsen, IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director, said “Baku, as a vibrant capital city destination, on the edge of the Caspian Sea and brimming with culture and experiences, offers just that.
“As a September race, this is a great addition to our calendar for athletes who enjoy training in the summer or who are preparing for an end of season IRONMAN 70.3 race.”
