IRONMAN has announced that the city of Leipzig in Eastern Germany, will become the newest city in Europe to host a IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.
The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Leipzig is set to take place on August 23, 2026. General registration for the new event will open on 30 October 30, 2025.
Known as a cultural heart in Eastern Germany, Leipzig is celebrated for its artistic heritage, music scene, and legendary composers such as Bach.
Surrounded by forests, lakes, and expansive parks, Leipzig ranks among the greenest cities in Germany, making for an ideal backdrop for the new event. With temperatures averaging around 24°C in August, the course features a swim in Lake Cospuden, a cycle through the lush green Leipzig New Lake District, and a city centre run course through the bustling streets, green spaces, and landmarks of Leipzig, with a finish in the heart of the city.
With an international airport located 15 minutes from the city centre and a wide range of accommodation options, Leipzig is well-equipped to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world. The city has a track record of hosting major sporting events, including four matches during the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and the annual Leipzig Marathon which takes place in April.
Germany stands among the world’s most passionate nations for triathlon, home to athletes who love both to travel abroad and to compete on home soil. This year, IRONMAN reports that over 8,900 German athletes registered for an IRONMAN 70.3 event – a 12% year-over-year increase – strengthening Germany’s position as one of the largest IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 markets globally.
Notably, more than half (53%) of German IRONMAN 70.3 participants are reportedly first-timers to the middle-distance, reflecting a growing appetite for middle distance events. In line with international trends, the demographic is also shifting younger – the average age of a German IRONMAN 70.3 athlete has dropped below 40 (38.96), driven in part by a 76% year-on-year growth in the 18–24 age group.
Leipzig is also home to some of Germany’s most prominent athletes; Caroline Pohle, 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 European Champion; Rico Bogen, 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion; and Martin Schulz, two-time Paralympic gold medallist and multiple world champion.
IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director, Thomas Veje Olsen said “Germany has had an incredible, passionate, and engaging IRONMAN community for a long time, and that enthusiasm continues to grow.
“From stars of the sport such as three-time IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange, 2024 IRONMAN World Champion, Laura Philipp, and Leipzig’s own 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Rico Bogen, to a wave of rising talent, Germany continues to show the way in triathlon excellence.
“We’ve long had our eyes on the vibrant city of Leipzig – a dynamic, forward-looking destination with a strong sporting culture and community spirit. We’re thrilled to bring the IRONMAN experience to Leipzig and can’t wait to welcome athletes from across the globe next year.”
Heiko Rosenthal, Deputy Mayor for Environment, Climate, Public Order and Sport of the City of Leipzig added “I am delighted that IRONMAN 70.3, a new international sporting event, will be taking place in Leipzig.
“This further underlines Leipzig’s importance as a diverse venue for major international sporting events in 2026. For Leipzig, IRONMAN 70.3 is also another building block on the way to a concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games together with Berlin.”
