IRONMAN has today announced that Alghero, located in the Northwest of Sardinia, Italy is the newest host for an IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon event. This new race will hold its first edition on 7 June, 2026, in what is often referred to as ‘the capital of the Riviera del Corallo’ thanks to its famed red coral that has been made into jewelry and ornaments since the days of ancient Rome. Alghero is renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture, with cobblestone streets framed by ancient sea-facing walls that preserve the city’s timeless charm. Sardinia is around 22° C (72° F) around this time of year, making for the perfect racing climate.
The course will feature a calm bay sea swim, breathtaking bike ride through the Natural Park of Porto Conte, finishing with a captivating coastline run. This race will appeal to both Italian tourists in their own country and international athletes looking for their next race-cation.
Alghero has seen a spike in tourism in recent years, finally reaching pre-pandemic levels, with over 1.5 million tourists visiting in 2024, making it the most visited place in Sardegna. Alghero has a strong track record in hosting international sporting events, having welcomed the Giro d’Italia Grand Départ in 2017, the WRC Rally Italia Sardegna, and, most recently, the World Triathlon Championship Series in 2025. With a clear vision to position itself as a premier sporting destination, the city aims to attract athletes and families alike. The addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Alghero marks the latest milestone in its growing portfolio of world-class events.
Triathlon racing in Europe continues to grow exponentially, with Italy also gaining in popularity and following the surge in demand seen in other regions such as the UK, Nordics, France and Germany. IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 Emilia Romagna triathlons have the biggest event weekend across Europe with over 6,000 athletes registered in 2025. All Italian races in 2025 were fully sold out and the 2026 edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Venice-Jesolo triathlon has also reached sell out status, indicating the growing demand for racing in Italy, not only from Italians racing locally, but also as a prime travel destination for international athletes.
The Mayor of Alghero, Raimondo Cacciotto, expressed his satisfaction: "Hosting an IRONMAN 70.3 event next June is a source of great pride for us. An event of this caliber, which brings together and inspires thousands of athletes and spectators from all over the world, will be an opportunity to showcase the excellence of our territory to an increasingly wider and more international audience. We are confident that it will be a wonderful experience for the entire community and an opportunity for growth for Alghero."?
IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director, Thomas Veje Olsen added: “Triathlon in Italy is in an incredibly strong place with a sold-out event in Jesolo, Europe’s biggest long distance triathlon weekend in Emilia-Romagna with over 6000 athletes racing in Cervia, and Italy’s Gregory Barnaby winning the inaugural IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024. It is the right time to expand our Italian presence, and we are excited to touchdown in Sardinia with the addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Alghero triathlon giving athletes from Italy and around the world the chance to race and visit this beautiful destination.”
Course Details
ROKA Swim Course
Athletes will begin their race with a soft, sandy swim start before completing an out and back 1.9km (1.2 mile) loop. Located next to harbour, athletes can expect natural shelter and calm conditions in the enchanting Mediterranean Sea. T1 will be situated 100m from the swim exit, making the course easy and simple to navigate for first timers or PB chasers.
ZOOT Bike Course
The bike course will be a single 90km loop with 850m of positive climb. Departing from the harbour, the course will go South for a short loop along the coastline with great views in both ways, once back to town, the course continues North along the beach to initiate a loop around the Natural Park of Porto Conte. A course that will never be boring, from mountainous beauty to island roads surrounded by iconic Mediterranean scenes, finishing along the coastal road.
*This circuit is being reviewed by the Race Direction with the local authorities, and it could be subject to modifications.
HOKA Run
This three-loop run course takes athletes south along the coastal road, then back through the old quarter of the city, featuring the historic seafront wall, before turning back to the harbor to complete the full loop.
For further information about the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit: www.ironman.com.