IRONMAN has announced that IRONMAN 70.3 racing will debut in a new destination in China, with the IRONMAN 70.3 Hengqin triathlon joining its international middle distance triathlon series.
The inaugural race will be held on March 15, 2026, in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.
Located within easy reach of major centres, such as Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, the event will see athletes complete a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle, and 21.1km run.
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, said “We’re excited to be introducing a brand-new IRONMAN 70.3 race to China and look forward to welcoming athletes from China and abroad to Hengqin in March next year.
“The new event is located close to major centres with connections across the world, making it an ideal location for those wanting to make their race debut in the region, while also providing an exciting new race for our loyal local athletes.”
The event is centred around the concepts of an ‘Eco-Course’ and ‘Island Charm’, showcasing the natural assets and cultural heritage of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone on the southern Chinese island of Hengqin.
Athletes will begin with a rolling start, entering the water from the beach opposite the southwest side of Tianmu Qintai for the 1.9km swim course.
The 90km, two-lap bike course will loop around the Hengqin Cultural and Arts Center, featuring 238m of elevation gain. The route will traverse the Mangzhou Wetland, offering views where the city skyline, mountains, and sea converge.
The 21.1km run segment is a flat, looped course with 117m of elevation gain. It will pass through scenic areas such as Haojian Road and Central Avenue, and the Flower Sea Promenade, before finishing at Tianmu Qintai.
Entries for the IRONMAN 70.3 Hengqin triathlon opened at 10:00 CST (China Standard Time) on Friday, November 21, 2025.
