Ironman has announced that its World Championship will return exclusively to Kona, Hawaii in 2026, with men and women competing on the same day. Returning to its traditional format, set for October 10, 2026, will feature a field of nearly 3,000 triathletes comprising pros and top age groupers, with equal broadcast coverage and innovations to enhance fairness and race experience.
After experimenting with split locations and two-day formats since 2023, Ironman cites overwhelming athlete feedback in favour of a single-day race in Kona. Community surveys and performance data showed that separating races by gender and location did not increase participation, particularly among women, and sometimes led to athletes exiting the sport after their championship experience.
The decision marks a return to the race’s spiritual home, emphasizing unity, tradition, and performance. Notable upgrades from previous editions will include staggered start times and rule changes to support competitive integrity, as well as expanded global media coverage. The championship is expected to reach over 140 million viewers and generate $100 million in economic impact for Hawaii.
The Ironman Group will also continue its partnership with Nice, France, which will host the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2026 and 2028, with an option for 2030. Kona, however, remains the centrepiece of the full-distance Ironman experience.
More details, including qualifying events for 2026, will be released soon. Visit ironman.com for updates.