IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena 2026: courses, date, prize money, and everything you need to know
Cartagena de Indias will once again host an international triathlon with the latest edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena, a competition bringing together athletes from various countries on November 29, 2026.
The race combines three disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—over a 113 km course. The route takes participants from the waters of the bay to coastal roads and, finally, through the streets of Cartagena’s historic Walled City.
For those traveling to Cartagena to compete or support an athlete, IRONMAN 70.3 also offers a chance to explore key attractions in the Colombian Caribbean and extend the trip to destinations such as the Rosario Islands.
When is IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena 2026?
IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena 2026 will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
The race is part of the international IRONMAN 70.3 circuit and is open to athletes looking to complete one of triathlon's most renowned middle-distance events. The official distance comprises:
Combined, the three segments total approximately 113 kilometers, which is why this format is known as the "70.3"—reflecting the total distance expressed in miles.
The official IRONMAN website lists the Cartagena event scheduled for November 29, 2026, on its calendar and provides specific information regarding registration, the course, and results.
Ruta del IRONMAN 70.3
Cartagena 2026
The IRONMAN 70.3 is a middle-distance triathlon competition that requires participants to complete three disciplines consecutively.
The race begins with the swim, continues with the cycling segment, and concludes with a half-marathon. Transitions between disciplines take place in designated transition zones; therefore, success depends not only on physical fitness but also on the athlete's strategy, hydration, nutrition, and organization during the race.
One of the main highlights of IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena is its course. Organizers describe the event as a circuit that starts with a swim in the bay, continues with a flat coastal cycling route, and finishes with a run through Cartagena's historic setting.
Swimming: 1.9 kilometers
The first part of the competition consists of completing a 1.9-kilometer swim.
The course takes place in the waters of Bahía de las Ánimas, offering athletes a maritime setting characteristic of Cartagena to kick off the race.
The swim represents the day's first major challenge and leads into the first transition, where participants must quickly prepare to tackle the 90-kilometer cycling leg.


Cycling: 90 Kilometers
After completing the swim, athletes take to their bikes to cover a 90-kilometer course.
Organizers describe this segment as a predominantly flat coastal route, offering views of the Cartagena coastline and various parts of the city.
For participants, this stage demands a combination of endurance, pacing, hydration, and strategy—especially considering the weather conditions that can occur in Cartagena.
Run: 21.1 kilometers
The final leg consists of a 21.1-kilometer run, equivalent to a half-marathon.
The running course passes through the historic district of Cartagena, with the Walled City serving as one of its main highlights.
In the previous edition, the official course published by IRONMAN featured two loops through the western section of the historic city and finished at the iconic Plaza de la Aduana. For 2026, athletes should consult the official race guide to confirm any final changes to the route.
This makes the final segment of IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena particularly appealing to spectators, as participants run through some of the most recognizable areas of the Historic Center.

How long does IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena take?
The time required to complete an IRONMAN 70.3 depends on the individual athlete and factors such as their preparation, pace, weather conditions, and strategy across the three disciplines.
In addition to the total time, IRONMAN competitions establish cutoff times to ensure the smooth running and safety of the event.
Specific schedules and cutoff times for the 2026 edition should be checked in the official race information and the athlete guide published by the organizers.
Therefore, participants in IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena 2026 should review the official documentation before traveling, particularly information regarding schedules, transitions, the course, cutoff times, and logistics.
Awards and Qualification
One aspect that generates significant interest among athletes is the opportunity to compete for qualifying slots for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
Qualifying races are part of the international IRONMAN 70.3 system, and slots are allocated according to the rules and categories established by the organization for each season.
In addition to the awards for the various categories, professional athletes compete under specific regulations regarding qualification and prize money.
It is important to distinguish between the awards and recognition for age-group categories and the conditions applicable to professional athletes. Definitive information regarding prizes, slots, and procedures for 2026 should be consulted in the official rules for this edition.

Accommodation for the IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena
The IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena is not just an experience for the athletes. Family, friends, and companions can also take advantage of the trip to enjoy the Colombian Caribbean while experiencing one of Cartagena's most important sporting events firsthand.
For those seeking a unique experience during their visit, Hotel Isla del Sol—located on Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands—offers an accommodation option that can be enjoyed before, during, or after the event.
Staying in the Rosario Islands allows you to combine the sporting experience with a few days of seaside relaxation. Companions can enjoy the beach, the pool, the local cuisine, and various island activities, while the athlete can plan their trip around their competition-related commitments and schedule.
Before the IRONMAN 70.3
The days leading up to a competition like the IRONMAN 70.3 offer a chance to arrive early in Cartagena, sort out logistics, and enjoy the destination without limiting the trip solely to race day.
A stay at Hotel Isla del Sol can be part of that plan for those wishing to explore the Rosario Islands before the event and enjoy a peaceful seaside setting.


During the event
While athletes attend to their activities, training sessions, registration, and competition preparations, their companions can make the most of their time by enjoying the various experiences Isla Grande has to offer.
This way, the trip doesn't have to revolve solely around the competition. Family and friends can turn these days into a Caribbean getaway, enjoying the beach, the natural surroundings, and the activities available at the hotel.
After Crossing the Finish Line
Once the competition concludes, athletes and their companions can continue enjoying the Rosario Islands and take a few days to rest.
After tackling the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-kilometer bike ride, and 21.1-kilometer run, staying a few extra days in a peaceful seaside setting is a great way to round out the trip and enjoy Cartagena and its surroundings at a more relaxed pace.

Experience the IRONMAN 70.3 and enjoy the Rosario Islands
Traveling to Cartagena for the IRONMAN 70.3 can be an experience that goes far beyond the race itself. Whether you are an athlete or traveling to support a participant, you can take the opportunity to explore the Colombian Caribbean and combine the sporting event with a few days of relaxation.
Located about an hour from Cartagena is Isla Grande—part of the Rosario Islands—a destination surrounded by crystal-clear waters, beaches, and nature.
Nestled in this setting is the Hotel Isla del Sol, situated at Ensenada de Las Mantas on Isla Grande, within the Corales del Rosario Natural Park area. The hotel is accessible by boat from Cartagena in approximately one hour.
Whether before, during, or after the IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena, the Rosario Islands can be a memorable part of your Colombian Caribbean experience.
Discover all accommodation options
At Hotel Isla del Sol, we are not just hosts; we are an extension of your family. We are committed to making you feel at home from the very first moment.












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