IRONMAN is today announcing that the ALUFAR IRONMAN® 70.3® Baku Azerbaijan triathlon will join the global circuit next year. On 5 September 2026, the capital city of Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea, Baku, will host the first ever IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon race in the country.
Often described as the city where East meets West, Baku is a vibrant cultural fusion which embraces its rich historical past, while showcasing bold, modern architecture. The city is home to ancient mosques and historical landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, which dates back to the 12th century, alongside boundary-pushing architectural marvels like the Flame Towers.
With an international airport approximately 30 minutes from the centre, Baku offers convenient access, a range of accommodation and diverse culinary options. As a sporting destination Baku has built a reputation as an international destination of choice being home to the Baku Formula 1 Grand Prix and having previously hosted UEFA club competition finals. As the only current destination in the post-Soviet region to host an IRONMAN-branded triathlon, the city promises athletes and their families a truly special and exciting race experience.
Somewhat unique to IRONMAN 70.3 events, the inaugural ALUFAR IRONMAN 70.3 Baku Azerbaijan triathlon will feature a midday race start, finishing with a magical Saturday evening concert in downtown Baku. Temperatures average around 21-26°C, making it the perfect racing climate. Athletes will enjoy a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim in the warm waters of the Caspian Sea, before taking in the dramatic landscapes of the Azerbaijani countryside on the 90km (56-mile) bike course. The 21.1km (13.1-mile) run will be a three-loop city-centre course, which features part of the Old Town Baku and goes alongside stretches of the Baku F1 Grand Prix circuit near the waterfront. The course will feature a spectacular finish on the iconic Baku Boulevard.
Farid Farhadzade, owner of ALUFAR IRONMAN 70.3 Baku triathlon event and President of the Azerbaijan Triathlon Federation, said: “We are pleased to announce the first edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Baku. This race will not only be about endurance and pushing limits but also embody what we call ‘Unlimited Joy.’ Athletes will experience a truly memorable race as they pass the city’s iconic landmarks, witness the modern face of Baku, embrace the spirit of the Old City, and cross the finish line at sunset.
IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director, Thomas Veje Olsen said: “As our IRONMAN 70.3 races across the region continue to boom, we are constantly looking for new and exciting destinations that appeal to our growing community of athletes. Baku, as a vibrant capital city destination, on the edge of the Caspian Sea and brimming with culture and experiences, offers just that. As a September race, this is a great addition to our calendar for athletes who enjoy training in the summer or who are preparing for an end of season IRONMAN 70.3 race. We are grateful to our partners in Azerbaijan, and for their passion in bringing the spirit of IRONMAN to their capital - we look forward to welcoming athletes next year!”
Course Description
ROKA Swim Course
The race begins with a single 1.9 km (1.2-mile) rectangular loop in the clear waters off Baku’s captivating Caspian Sea shoreline. Starting and finishing from the Bayil Burnu, athletes can expect calm, beginner-friendly conditions thanks to the protected waters of Baku Bay. Athletes will exit the water to the roar of spectators from alongside the waterfront as they make their way into transition, situated next to Stat Flag Park and the Baku Crystal Hall.
ZOOT Bike Course
The 90 km (56-mile) bike course takes athletes on a two loop out and back course, through Baku and into the surrounding countryside. Athletes will be treated to a mix of dramatic cityscapes and expansive northern roads where they will pass by the Bibi-Heybat Mosque. The course combines flat stretches for high-speed efforts with rolling ascents that test endurance. Each loop showcases the contrast between Baku’s modern architecture and the wide Azerbaijani landscapes before returning riders to the heart of the city for transition.
HOKA Run Course
The run course consists of three 7km loops along the harbour Waterfront of Baku. Each lap features gentle elevation with a total gain of only 15 meters, ensuring a fast and scenic finish. The route is lined with cheering crowds and passes through some of the city’s most iconic sights — from the historic Old City to State Flag Square, alongside stretches of the Baku F1 Grand Prix circuit, and past the striking Baku Crystal Hall, built for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. Athletes will finish their swim-bike-run journey on the iconic Baku Boulevard, with the waterfront alongside.
For further information about the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit: www.ironman.com.