The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 2028 and 2030 need a new host.
When the full-distance IRONMAN World Championship reverted to being held solely in Kona from 2025 onwards – rather than an alternate year share with Nice – it was announced that the French city would hold the 70.3 Worlds in 2026 and 2028, along with an option for 2030.
This year’s 70.3 Worlds will indeed be held in Nice on 12-13 September – but 2028 and 2030 are now up in the air.
There has been much speculation ever since Éric Ciotti became Nice’s new mayor and outlined plans to make 60 million Euros of cuts, with several sporting events coming under the spotlight.
Contrasting news
And ahead of 70.3 Nice and IRONMAN France Nice, which take place this weekend, a press conference held at the Hôtel de Ville confirmed that both those events will continue through 2029, with a shared desire to extend the relationship further into the future.
But IRONMAN and the Ville de Nice announced that it will not be possible to continue hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice in 2028 and 2030.
Scott DeRue, CEO of The IRONMAN Group said: “For us at IRONMAN, our first priority is always our athletes. And that’s why, back in April, we confirmed that the 2026 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon would take place as planned his year.
“We are delivering on our promise to our athletes, their supporters, the fans, and the City of Nice by giving them the World Championship experience they are expecting and deserve.”
DeRue continued: “Looking forward, we are excited that Nice will remain a valued part of the IRONMAN calendar for years to come, with IRONMAN France Nice – which will celebrates its 21st anniversary this weekend – and IRONMAN 70.3 Nice, continuing to offer athletes a unique racing experience in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.”
Chattanooga to host in 2027
The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship attracts over 6,000 athletes to what since 2017 has been a two-day triathlon showpiece featuring the world’s very best pros and age-groupers, with the venue rotating each year.
IRONMAN say the 2025 event delivered over €60 million in total economic impact to the Spanish city of Marbella.
And just last week it was announced that Chattanooga in Tennessee would be the location for the 2027 70.3 Worlds. The qualifying for that begins in July.
