IRONMAN, the global leader in middle- and long-distance triathlon, today announced that the City of Leipzig in Eastern Germany, will become the newest city in Europe to host a IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon. The inaugural race is set to take place on 23 August, 2026, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in a city where history, culture, and endurance meet. Renowned as the cultural heart of Eastern Germany, Leipzig is celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, world-class music scene, and legendary composers such as Bach.
Surrounded by lush forests, tranquil lakes, and expansive parks, Leipzig ranks among the greenest cities in Germany, making for an ideal backdrop for a world-class triathlon event. With temperatures averaging around 24°C in August, athletes can expect optimal racing conditions across land and water. The course features a swim in Lake Cospuden, a cycle through the lush green Leipzig New Lake District, and a city center run course through the bustling streets, green spaces, and iconic landmarks of Leipzig, offering a memorable finish in the heart of the city.
With an international airport located 15 minutes from the city centre and a wide range of accommodation options, Leipzig is well-equipped to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world. The city has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events, including four matches during the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and the annual Leipzig Marathon which takes place in April.
Germany stands among the world’s most passionate nations for triathlon, home to athletes who love both to travel abroad and to compete on home soil. This year, over 8,900 German athletes registered for an IRONMAN 70.3 event – a 12% year-over-year increase – strengthening Germany’s position as one of the largest IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 markets globally. Notably, more than half (53%) of German IRONMAN 70.3 participants are first-timers to the middle-distance, reflecting a continually growing appetite for IRONMAN 70.3 events. In line with global trends, the demographic is also shifting younger – for the first time, the average age of a German IRONMAN 70.3 athlete has dropped below 40 (38.96), driven in part by an incredible 76% year-over-year growth in the 18–24 age group. The entry of IRONMAN 70.3 Leipzig will help meet this growing demand and also support this new wave of athletes eager to race closer to home.
Leipzig is also home to some of Germany’s most prominent athletes; Caroline Pohle, 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 European Champion; Rico Bogen, 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion; and Martin Schulz, two-time Paralympic gold medallist and multiple world champion.
IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director, Thomas Veje Olsen said: “Germany has had an incredible, passionate, and engaging IRONMAN community for a long time, and that enthusiasm continues to grow. From stars of the sport such as three-time IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange, 2024 IRONMAN World Champion, Laura Philipp, and Leipzig’s own 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Rico Bogen, to a wave of rising talent, Germany continues to show the way in triathlon excellence. We’ve long had our eyes on the vibrant city of Leipzig - a dynamic, forward-looking destination with a strong sporting culture and community spirit. We’re thrilled to bring the IRONMAN experience to Leipzig and can’t wait to welcome athletes from across the globe next year.”
Heiko Rosenthal, Deputy Mayor for Environment, Climate, Public Order and Sport of the City of Leipzig said: "I am delighted that IRONMAN 70.3, a new international sporting event, will be taking place in Leipzig. This further underlines Leipzig's importance as a diverse venue for major international sporting events in 2026. For Leipzig, IRONMAN 70.3 is also another building block on the way to a concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games together with Berlin."
General registration will open on 30 October. For more information about the race, please visit: www.ironman.com/races/im703-leipzig. Further details on the course will be released soon.
For further information about the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit: www.ironman.com.