MÁLAGA, Spain / LONDON UK / TAMPA, Fla. (15 January) – IRONMAN has today announced that Málaga, located on Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol, will become the newest host city for an IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon. Known for its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, Málaga offers the perfect backdrop for athletes seeking an unforgettable race experience.
Málaga joins Calella, Barcelona; Valencia; Alcudia, Mallorca; Vitoria-Gasteiz; and Lanzarote, Canary Islands, and takes the place of Marbella, as one of Spain’s host destinations for IRONMAN® and IRONMAN 70.3 events in the 2026 calendar. This addition brings a new and exciting race location for athletes from Spain and around Europe.
Málaga, the capital of Costa del Sol and Spain’s sixth largest city, is a vibrant city blending urban energy, rich culture and incredible beauty with a rapidly growing sport scene. The city has hosted major events across the sector including Málaga Marathon, Davis Cup Finals (tennis), Premier Padel Tour, and major golf tournaments, amongst others. Served by Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport, the city’s golden beaches, vibrant port, plentiful museums, beautiful architecture and of course exquisite cuisine is easily accessible from major European centres.
With average temperatures between 17°C and 25°C and low wind and low rain probability in late October, conditions are ideal for a late season race, with the opportunity to relax in the dynamic city with family and friends after.
The race will feature a sheltered swim in Málaga’s historic port, a single transition at Paseo del Parque, a fast and scenic bike course along the coast, and a flat run along the Malagueta beach promenade, culminating in a spectacular finish on Calle Larios, the city’s most iconic street. Full course details below.
IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 racing in Europe continues to experience exponential growth, with 24 IRONMAN 70.3 events for the 2026 season already sold out, including every race in Spain and every IRONMAN 70.3 event until mid-July. Spain is now home to some of the most popular IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races in the world, and last year welcomed over 15,000 international athletes.
Over the last two years IRONMAN has continually worked to evolve the Spanish race calendar to create a season-long opportunity for athletes to race in iconic destinations. The IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia event was added in 2024 and serves as the season opener, while the IRONMAN 70.3 Vitoria-Gasteiz event was recently added for 2026 to meet the growing demand of IRONMAN 70.3 racing. After successfully hosting six editions since 2018, the IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella event will not be returning in 2026, with IRONMAN 70.3 Málaga taking the place to officially close the Spanish race season.
The Mayor of Málaga, Excmo. Sr. D. Francisco de la Torre Prados, has acknowledged the positive impact the race will have on the city’s economy and its international profile, with its potential to attract top-level athletes and international visitors with longer-than-average stays. He said: “The IRONMAN 70.3 event will help energize key sectors such as hospitality, retail, and services, while at the same time strengthening our image as a modern, open city committed to elite sport and high-quality tourism”.
Agusti Perez, Senior Regional Director, Southern Europe said: "Marbella has been an incredible host for many years, and we are proud of what we achieved together – not to mention hosting the pinnacle event of the middle-distance calendar – the Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon, which welcomed over 6,000 athletes and their families. With Málaga, we are excited to build on this legacy and offer athletes a fresh experience in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. October is a fantastic time to race in Spain, and we look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world to the Costa del Sol.”
Thomas Veje Olsen, IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa Managing Director commented: "Spain continues to be one of our strongest markets, with sold-out events and growing demand from athletes worldwide. With the majority of our IRONMAN 70.3 races already sold out, or close to sell out status, we expect this to be extremely popular with athletes and encourage them to act fast if they want to race with us this year!”
Course Details
ROKA Swim Course
Athletes will start their one-loop 1.9km (1.2 mile) swim in the calm, turquoise waters of Málaga Port featuring a sheltered harbor, bright morning light, and the sound of supporters lining the docks for the perfect race start on the Costa del Sol.
Transition Zone
Set in the heart of Málaga, the single transition area on Paseo del Parque, just steps from the water and surrounded by palm trees, is a beautiful, wide open area where athletes will gear up to take on the bike course after completing the swim and get ready to embark on the run course after completing the bike. With the sea on one side and the city on the other, Paseo del Parque will be a hive of activity throughout the race.
ZOOT Bike Course
One of the top features of the race, is the one-loop out-and-back 90km (56 mile) bike course along the coastline which is expected to be the fastest bike course amongst the Spanish IRONMAN 70.3 events. Athletes will skirt the Mediterranean on smooth roads inviting steady speed before returning to Paseo del Parque.
HOKA Run Course
On the final discipline athletes will feel the pulse of Málaga as they run a two-loop course along the Malagueta promenade, framed by palm trees, sea breeze, and an atmosphere that lifts with every step. The 21.1km (13.1 mile) run culminates in the vibrant heart of the city for an unforgettable finish on the famous Calle Larios, known as one of the most elegant streets in Spain, for a true a celebration moment.
General registration will open on 29 January at: www.ironman.com/races/im703-malaga
I mean is this one of Trump’s ideas? The Mediterranean Sea has been there for a few million years…