9 of the best Half Ironman triathlons in Europe
Whether you’re already well versed in the tripartite world of swim, bike and run, or are a runner looking to add two more sports to your arsenal, taking part in a triathlon is a hugely rewarding way to test your mental and physical fortitude. One of the most popular triathlon events is the Half Ironman triathlon, and nothing proves that more than the huge range of races on offer in Europe each year.
Here, we offer an insight into Half Ironman triathlons and pick out the top European events you should add to your race calendar.
What is a Half Ironman triathlon?
A Half Ironman triathlon consists of a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim, followed by a 90km (56-miles) bike ride, and finally a 21.1km (13.1-mile, or half marathon) run to wrap up proceedings. Altogether, the three-part endeavour involves 70.3 miles of movement, which is why Half Ironman triathlons are also known as Ironman 70.3 events, or 70.3 triathlons.
And the name is no trick, either. Just as a half marathon is half the distance of a full marathon, the three disciplines in a Half Ironman triathlon are half the length of those in a full Ironman triathlon (which therefore involves, if you’ve done your maths, a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run – yep, a marathon). As such, a Half Ironman triathlon is a popular option for those not yet ready to commit to a full Ironman, or for those wanting to step up from shorter triathlon events, outlined below. Just keep halving the distances as you go:
Olympic triathlon: 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride, 10K run
Sprint triathlon: 750m swim, 20km bike ride, 5K run
Super-sprint triathlon: 400m swim (just over half, we know), 10K bike ride, 2.5km run
Even if you’re new to swimming, cycling or even running, it is entirely possibly for you to complete a Half Ironman triathlon. Commit to your training with a positive mindset and you’ll be glad you signed up for the iconic 70.3-mile swim-bike-run challenge.
How do you prepare for a Half Ironman triathlon?
So, what does it involve? Well, there’s no denying that preparing for a Half Ironman triathlon requires plenty of time and discipline if you want to the build the strength and endurance required for all those miles on the water, on wheels, and on your feet.
The time needed to train for a Half Ironman will vary according to your experience level and goals, but even those with a busy lifestyle can find ways to squeeze in all the training, so long as they organise their hours effectively. Loren Ward, co-owner and lead coach at Passion Fit Coaching, suggests spending a minimum of six months up to a year (or more) in training, so you can be in your best shape when you hit that 70.3 start line.
In general, most training plans expect you to swim three times a week (including one open water session), cycle three times a week (including turbo sessions), run three times a week and do strength training at least once a week. That said, the ratio of your training is specific to you and your own strengths and weakness – so, if you’re a weaker swimmer, for instance, you may want to spend more time practicing your strokes.
You’ll be wise to include brick sessions in your training, too, so you can get accustomed to doing more than one sport back-to-back. And while being physically fit is one thing, as part of your preparation you’ll also need to strengthen your mental resilience and train your gut to take on fuel and hydration on the go.
What is the average 70.3 finish time?
Half Ironman triathlons typically take several hours to complete, although finish times obviously depend on a triathlete’s own level of fitness and experience, as well as the difficulty of the course.
Roughly, though, it takes between four and eight hours to complete a 70.3 triathlon – with the elites finishing closer to the four-hour mark. At the 2023 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Lahti, Finland, for instance, the USA’s Taylor Knibb clocked her second consecutive win and finished in a super-swift time of 3:53:02. In the men’s race, meanwhile, Rico Bogen of Germany stormed to victory in an electric time of 3:32:22. A generally flat nation geographically, Finland has also repeatedly been voted the happiest country on earth – and it was certainly a happy day for these two triathletes.
Best Half Ironman triathlons in Europe
Finland isn’t the only place in Europe to do a Half Ironman triathlon – and thankfully you don’t have to be at World Championship level to complete one. If you're tempted to take on 70.3, read on for our pick of the best European Half Ironman triathlons to enter this year.
Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo
Where? Jesolo, Italy
When? 5 May 2024
Swim: Ocean | Bike: Flat | Run: Flat
Your first leg, the open water swim, involves a single anti-clockwise loop in the stunning Adriatic Sea, which makes it perfect for first-timers. Your swimming venue is also situated at the beach in front of the iconic lighthouse, which marks the border between the Municipalities of Jesolo and Cavallino. What's more, both the bike and the run courses have next to no elevation gain, once again making them perfect for new triathletes or those wanting to chase down a PB.
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Ironman 70.3 Alcudia-Mallorca
Where? Mallorca, Spain
When? 11 May 2024
Swim: Ocean | Bike: Hilly | Run: Flat
The Balearic island of Mallorca is a beloved training paradise for triathletes from around the world, so it's no wonder that its Half Ironman triathlon has become a global favourite. The swim course is located beside the white sandy beach in Port d’Alcúdia, while the bike course takes triathletes up to the Lluc Sanctuary and across picture-perfect inland towns – including Caimari, Sa Pobla and Muro – before steering them back to Port d’Alcúdia. The run course, along Alcúdia Bay, is welcomely flat.
While entries for 2024 have already sold out (it's that popular), you should certainly keep your eyes peeled for a place in 2025.
Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau
Where? Kraichgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
When? 26 May 2024
Swim: Lake | Bike: Hilly | Run: Rolling
The first, most important thing to note is that the Kraichgau region in Germany is known as 'the land of a thousand hills' – and while you might not cover a thousand hills during this Half Ironman triathlon, you'll still go up and down a fair few.
Once you've completed your swim, you'll tackle 860m of elevation gain on the bike, then complete a three-loop run with a further 120m of elevation thrown in. But, you'll be pleased to know that the beautiful woodlands, vineyards and orchards you'll pass along the way – not to mention the thousands of cheering spectators at the finish line – will help to distract you from the undulations. This race is a challenging but achievable choice, even for first-timers.
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Ironman 70.3 Elsinore
Where? Elsinore, Denmark
When? 23 June 2024
Swim: Bay | Bike: Rolling | Run: Flat
Shakespeare buffs might prick their ears when they hear the name Elsinor, as this is the home of 15th century Kronborg Castle, which is otherwise known as the setting for Hamlet, his iconic tragedy. Thankfully, though, your time in Elsinor will be anything but tragic if you take on this Half Ironman triathlon.
The race starts to the unique sound of an old cannon being fired on the harbour front, which is also the location of the swim. The bike course then weaves its way around some fine examples of Danish countryside, forest and coastline, before the multi-lap run takes you around Kronborg Castle and into the city centre for your big finish.
Outlaw Half Holkham
Where? Holkham Hall, Norfolk
When? 7 July 2024
Swim: Lake | Bike: Flat | Run: Rolling
For those after a non-Ironman-branded event – and looking for a race with a slightly lower entry fee – Outlaw events are incredibly well organised and great for families, too. This 70.3 triathlon is set on the grounds of the historic Holkham Estate, which provides a stunning backdrop to the swim and the run courses. Meanwhile, the single-loop bike course sandwiched in between takes athletes through Norfolk’s countryside and coastal roads.
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Ironman 70.3 Vichy
Where? Vichy, France
When? 1 September 2024
Swim: Lake | Bike: Hilly | Run: Flat
The swim is held in the beautiful lake of the Allier and the single-loop bike course over the picturesque hills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise. To compensate for all that climbing on two wheels, you'll then have a flat and fast two-loop run along the river banks.
While you can’t fly directly to Vichy from the UK, you can either drive there (making for a great road trip) or go via Paris – which could make for a perfect city break on your way home. Otherwise, you can stay in Vichy and explore its tree-lined boulevards and art-deco architecture, or book yourself in for a bit of post-race pampering. Vichy is known as the 'Queen of Spa Towns', after all.
Ironman 70.3 Weymouth
Where: Dorset, England
When: 15 September 2024
Swim: Ocean | Bike: Rolling | Run: Flat
As the host venue of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, the Weymouth area is an international sports event haven with incredible crowd support. Situated off the ruggedly beautiful Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – this race is a favourite with new and seasoned triathletes alike, as well as Londoners who want to travel down to the coast for a top weekend of racing. The course features sandy beaches, a spectacular coastline and the stunning Dorset countryside.
The Gauntlet
Where? Hever Castle, Kent
When? 29 September 2024
Swim: Lake | Bike: Hilly | Run: Rolling
Starting at the Loggia at Hever Castle, you'll follow up your single-loop lake swim with a two-loop bike ride involving 4,790ft of climbing through the Kent countryside – so it's not for the fainthearted. The run is also a tough one, as it takes place on trails rather than pavements. While this event is noticeably cheaper than others, it's worth noting that the roads on the bike course aren’t closed to traffic, so you'll have to keep an eye out for cars and follow the Highway Code.
Ironman 70.3 Portugal-Cascais
Where: Cascais, Portugal
When: 19 October 2024
Swim: Bay | Bike: Hilly | Run: Rolling
With daily temperatures going up to 20°C in this part of Portugal in October, this Half Ironman triathlon gives you an excellent excuse to soak up the last of the European sun. The race organisers even say you should expect water temperatures of around 18°C for your 1.9km swim, which is positively balmy.
On the bike ride, you'll enjoy first-class views of the Portuguese Riviera, Guincho Beach and more, all while tracing the famous Estoril Formula One circuit – so if you're a motorsport fanatic, you're in the right place. The hilly run then hugs the sweeping coast before your well-deserved finish. Don't forget to swing by nearby Lisbon after your race, too, to take in historic sites, great food and a vibrant culture.
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