Belgium is to become the latest nation to host a full-distance IRONMAN, after it was revealed this week that Knokke-Heist is to be added to the M-dot brand’s calendar next season.
The coastal municipality, which is located along the North Sea and borders the Netherlands, has already welcomed more than 11,500 athletes to compete in its 70.3 and 5150 races, which were launched in 2023.
Now, a full-distance event will be added to the schedule for 2027 – replacing the 70.3 and 5150 events – with IRONMAN pointing to the nation’s impressive triathlon participation growth in recent years as justification for the move.
Rapid growth in Belgium triathlon
Figures issued by the brand reveal that Belgium has become one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe in terms of participation, with 38% growth across IRONMAN 70.3 events and 105% growth across full-distance IRONMAN races since 2023.
In 2026, Belgium became the fourth-biggest European nation by participation across IRONMAN events, despite the country never previously having hosted a full-distance race.
Belgium has also produced multiple world champions and a host of high-achieving athletes.
Luc Van Lierde and Frederik Van Lierde have both won the sport’s most coveted title, the IRONMAN World Championship, while more recently Jelle Geens achieved back-to-back IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship titles and finished third in Nice last weekend.
‘Crossroads of Belgium and the Netherlands’
Thibault Vellard, Regional Director, South West Europe, The IRONMAN Group, said: “We are thrilled that Belgium’s very first IRONMAN will take place in Knokke-Heist, a destination renowned for hosting world-class international events and providing an exceptional playground for endurance sport.
“This milestone reflects the continued growth of triathlon in Belgium, giving local athletes the opportunity to take on the legendary IRONMAN in front of a home crowd while welcoming competitors from around the world to discover this unique destination at the crossroads of Belgium and the Netherlands.
“We look forward to welcoming athletes for what promises to be a fast, memorable, and truly unforgettable IRONMAN race.”
The race will begin with a 3.8km swim in the picturesque town of Sluis, located just across the border in the Dutch province of Zeeland, a unique setting which will provide athletes with calm, protected waters and enable excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.
The North Sea provides a spectacular backdrop
A one-loop 180km bike ride through the wider Zwin region will follow, passing scenic polder landscapes, charming villages, and expansive countryside roads before returning to Knokke-Heist.
Back in Knokke-Heist, the race will conclude with a 42.2km marathon showcasing the many faces of the renowned seaside resort. Athletes will run along the iconic seafront promenade, lined with beaches, restaurants, beach bars, elegant boutiques, and art galleries, with the North Sea providing a spectacular backdrop all the way to the finish line.
Bert De Brabandere, Alderman for Tourism and Sport of Knokke-Heist, said: “After several years of triathlon events in Knokke-Heist, this is a particularly significant moment for our municipality.
Registration opens later in September
“The evolution towards an IRONMAN is a natural and ambitious next step in the development of our event. We are extremely proud to host Belgium’s first-ever IRONMAN and to offer Belgian athletes the opportunity to become an IRONMAN on home soil.
“The course through the magnificent polder landscapes and along our coastline will offer athletes a unique challenge in an exceptional setting. We look forward to welcoming thousands of athletes, their families, and supporters, who will also have the opportunity to discover Knokke-Heist beyond the summer holiday season.”
Priority registration will open on September 22, 2026, followed by general registration on September 24, 2026, HERE.
