The IRONMAN Group today announced the launch of the IRONMAN® 70.3® Amdavad race, bringing the world's most recognised long-distance triathlon series to Gujarat for the first time and further strengthening India's position as one of the fastest-growing endurance sports markets in Asia-Pacific.
Scheduled for 14 February during Amdavad's cooler, drier racing season, the IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad triathlon will welcome athletes from across India and around the world to compete in one of the country's most culturally rich and historically significant destinations.
The new event marks a major milestone for Gujarat as it celebrates Gujarat Tourism Year 2026-27, helping place the state on the global endurance sports map while showcasing Amdavad's unique blend of history, culture and modern urban development.
India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, Amdavad offers athletes and supporters the opportunity to experience iconic attractions including the historic walled city, centuries-old stepwells, and the Sabarmati Ashram. Beyond race weekend, visitors can extend their stay to explore some of Gujarat's most celebrated destinations, including the Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, Dwarka, Somnath and the Statue of Unity.
The addition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad event builds on the strong momentum generated by the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa triathlon and reflects the continued growth of triathlon participation across India.
Michelle Pepper, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific for The IRONMAN Group, said that the organisation was excited to be welcoming a new race to India.
“We can’t wait to welcome athletes to the first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad triathlon next February,” said Pepper. “We have witnessed growth in participation and interest in endurance sports across India, and we are excited to build on that momentum with a world-class event in Gujarat. Amdavad combines rich cultural heritage with outstanding infrastructure and will provide an unforgettable experience for athletes, supporters and visitors alike."
Deepak Raj, CEO & Co-Founder of Yoska said that the team was looking forward to bringing athletes to the region for the first IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad triathlon.
"IRONMAN triathlon in India continues to grow, and we are excited to announce a second race with the launch of the IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad triathlon,” said Raj. "With strong support from the Government of Gujarat, my team and I look forward to welcoming the IRONMAN triathlon community from India and around the world to this vibrant state. We are proud to contribute to the vision of Fit India by inspiring active lifestyles, raising awareness, and encouraging more people to get moving. Amdavad represents another key milestone as we expand the endurance sports community across India."
Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, welcomed the event's arrival to the state.
"Gujarat is emerging as a global destination for sports and endurance events, and we are delighted to welcome IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to Amdavad," said Sanghavi. "As part of Gujarat Tourism Year, these events will bring athletes and visitors from across India and the world, while strengthening our sports tourism ecosystem. We are committed to providing all necessary support to make Amdavad a memorable destination for the global IRONMAN community."
A Scenic Urban Course Along the Sabarmati River
The IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad triathlon will challenge athletes across the iconic 70.3-mile (113-kilometre) distance, comprising a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run. The proposed course will showcase some of Amdavad's most recognisable landmarks and riverfront precincts:
- Swim: A 1.9km swim in the Sabarmati River, starting and finishing beneath Ahmedabad's iconic Atal Bridge.
- Bike: A 90km bike course made up of three 30km loops through Amdavad's city roads, predominantly following the riverfront with a mix of gentle descents and ascents.
- Run: A flat 21.1km run consisting of three loops along the scenic Sabarmati Riverfront promenade before crossing the Atal Bridge and finishing in the heart of the event precinct.
The predominantly flat course is expected to appeal to both first-time triathletes and experienced athletes chasing personal best performances.
Entries for IRONMAN 70.3 Amdavad open on Wednesday 14 October. For more information visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-amdavad.