The IRONMAN Group has announced a new destination in China for the 2026 season, with the lakeside city of Dali set to host IRONMAN 70.3 Dali on September 13, 2026.
Located in Yunnan Province, Dali is a historic destination situated at an elevation of approximately 1,970m. The event will take place along the shores of Erhai Lake, with the course framed by the Cang Mountain range.
Michelle Pepper, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific at IRONMAN, said “We look forward to welcoming athletes to a brand-new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon destination in Dali this September. Dali joins a growing number of world-class IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons in China, with this new offering athletes the opportunity to experience the unique culture and incredible scenery of the Yunnan Province.”
The race features a 1.9km swim in the freshwater Erhai Lake, followed by a 90km bike course. The bike leg is described as almost flat, consisting of three laps around the Erhai Lake loop with panoramic views of the surrounding farmland and mountains.
The run course starts at the Dali International Olympic Sports Center and enters the Dali Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor. Athletes will complete two laps of the flat corridor route before reaching the finish line.
Asif Fu, Race Director for the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon, said “Hosting an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon in Dali represents an important step in integrating international sporting events with the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Dali is widely known for its breathtaking scenery, unique Bai ethnic culture, and welcoming atmosphere.”
The region is noted for its cultural heritage, including the 1,000-year-old Dali town and the three pagodas of Chengshen Temple. For those travelling to the event, the area is accessible via Dali Fengyi Airport and with high-speed rail links from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.
Entries for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Dali are scheduled to open on March 27, 2026.
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