IRONMAN® 70.3® racing is set to head to a new destination in China in 2026, with the lakeside tourist hotspot of Dali, to host IRONMAN 70.3 Dali on 13 September.
This September, Dali, a historic city in Yunnan Province, will host an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon for the first time. The race will unfold along the shores of Erhai Lake, famed for its breathtaking scenery, with the dramatic Cang Mountain rising above the shimmering waters, creating a spectacular stage for endurance sport.
Michelle Pepper, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for The IRONMAN Group, said that the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon will provide an incredible opportunity for athletes to race in a new Chinese destination.
“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,” she said.
Asif FU, Race Director for the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon said that the event will provide a great opportunity for athletes and their families to experience the world-class lakeside city of Dali.
“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. Through this event, we hope athletes from around the world not only experience the excitement and challenge of IRONMAN 70.3 racing, but also discover the beauty of Erhai Lake and Cang Mountain, the charm of the ancient city, and the warmth of the local community. We are confident that IRONMAN 70.3 Dali will become a memorable destination for athletes and their families.”
The IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon is set to offer athletes a spectacular race experience set against one of China’s most iconic natural landscapes. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,970 meters, the highland course features a pristine swim in Erhai Lake, a fast three-lap bike course, and a scenic two-lap run along the Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor.
The one-lap 1.9 km swim course takes place in the pristine waters of Erhai Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. Athletes will swim a counterclockwise loop, enjoying calm waters and sweeping views of Cang Mountain, whose peaks rise prominently along the western edge of the lake.
The 90 km bike course is almost flat and comprises three laps of the famous Erhai Lake loop, enjoying long scenic stretches with panoramic views of water, farmland, and mountains.
The flat run course starts from the event venue at the Dali International Olympic Sports Center, with athletes entering the Dali Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor after the first 2.7 kilometers. The course then comprises two laps before athletes make their way across the world-famous IRONMAN 70.3 finish line.
Dali has long been celebrated for its spectacular landscapes, historic heritage, and vibrant ethnic culture, and at the heart of the region lies Dali Ancient Town, a historic city with more than 1,000 years of history. Not far from the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon venue is the town of Xizhou which is known for its well-preserved Bai ethnic culture, while the Three Pagodas of Chengshen Temple has stood for more than 1,000 years and is one of the most famous historical sites in Yunnan Province.
Athletes and their supporters traveling to the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon can easily access Dali from major cities across China, as well as international travel hubs, through the Dali Fengyi Airport, as well as high-speed rail from Kunming, capital of the Yunnan Province.
Entries for the first edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon will open on Friday 27 March 2026.
For more information on the IRONMAN 70.3 Dali triathlon visit: www.ironman.com/races/im703-dali.