IRONMAN, in partnership with Leeds City Council, has announced that England’s only full-distance IRONMAN race, IRONMAN Leeds, will return to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The first edition of the race in 2025 was reportedly a sell-out, with IRONMAN noting that it had over 2,400 registered age-group athletes and 20 professional athletes. The 2025 event was scheduled in July this year, with next year’s event making a return in mid-August.
IRONMAN stated the 2025 event was ‘well embraced by the local community’, which was shown by the thousands of spectators lining the course throughout the day.
The UK remains the largest participant base for IRONMAN athletes in Europe, with over 12,000 finishers in 2025. The majority of these athletes travel internationally to participate in IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events.
It is also worth noting that the UK is the second largest market overall by the number of participating IRONMAN athletes, with the US being first.
IRONMAN reports that nine of its events in Europe are currently sold out, reflecting sustained popularity in full and half distance triathlon across the continent. Athletes hoping to secure a 2026 IRONMAN World Championship qualifying slot should act fast, as only four European and South African races remain open: ISUZU IRONMAN South Africa African Championship, Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote, IRONMAN Switzerland Thun, and IRONMAN Leeds.
The challenging course in Leeds, combined with Leeds’ heritage in triathlon, attracted top triathletes this year. 2023 IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow (FRA) raced and won the inaugural IRONMAN Leeds, and competed against the likes of Harry Palmer (GBR) and Keiran Lindars (GBR).
Athletes can expect a similar course to the 2025 edition, with course maps due to be available in early 2026. The race begins in the waters of Waterloo Lake, followed by a challenging Yorkshire bike course through villages and suburbs such as Wike, Harewood, Eccup, Arthington, Adel, and Alwoodley. The run course takes athletes through Roundhay and the surrounding neighbourhoods, finishing in the centre of Roundhay Park.
Sam Brawn, Regional Director of UK, Ireland & Africa for The IRONMAN Group said “We’re so excited to be able to announce that we’re heading back to the UK’s home of triathlon next year, Leeds.
“After an incredible first edition of the race, together with Leeds City Council, we’ve worked hard to find a race date that works for the local community and athletes alike. Due to the busy schedule of IRONMAN races in Europe and events hosted in Roundhay Park, the race has moved to August and will serve as one of the final qualifying events for the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship. We can’t wait to return with some northern grit in 2026.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture said “This year’s IRONMAN Leeds triathlon was a real day to remember, not just for the athletes who took part but also for the many spectators who created a feelgood atmosphere by lining the course to cheer them on.
“There were significant wider benefits too, with the event generating more than £7m for the local economy and – by attracting entrants from 46 countries – showcasing our city to the rest of the world.
“I am absolutely delighted, therefore, that IRONMAN will be returning to Leeds in 2026. We will be working hard alongside the IRONMAN team to deliver another memorable occasion that strengthens our reputation as a truly champion sporting city.”
Priority registration opened for the IRONMAN Leeds triathlon on Tuesday, December 9, with general registration opening on Thursday, December 11.
