Baku Makes History as 1,500 Athletes from 62 Countries Arrive for IRONMAN 70.3

Baku is set to host the ALUFAR IRONMAN 70.3 BAKU triathlon on September 5, marking the first time an IRONMAN 70.3 event will be held in Azerbaijan.The landmark competition is being organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Triathlon Federation and Baku City Circuit Operations Company.Around 1,500 athletes from 62 countries are expected to take part, bringing one of the world's leading long-distance triathlon series to the Azerbaijani capital. IRONMAN 70.3 combines three disciplines swimming, cycling and running  with competitors required to complete a 1.9-kilometre swim, a 90.1-kilometre bike ride and a 21.1-kilometre run.The swimming segment will take place in the waters of the Caspian Sea. The cycling course will showcase both Baku's natural surroundings and modern urban landscape, while the final running leg will take athletes along the city's iconic Boulevard before finishing near the Seven Beauties Fountain.The event will also feature additional running competitions for children and adults as part of IRONMAN Week.The top 25 finishers in both the men's and women's categories will secure qualification for the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in the United States.First held in Hawaii in 1978, the IRONMAN series has become one of the world's most demanding and prestigious endurance sporting competitions, attracting elite and amateur athletes from across the globe.IRONMAN Week will begin on September 4 with the IRONKIDS and Fun Run events. Children aged 5–8 will compete over 500 metres, participants aged 9–13 will run 1 kilometre, while those aged 14–17 will cover 2 kilometres.The 5-kilometre Fun Run will be open to participants aged 18 and above.Baku is also officially serving as the World Sports Capital for 2026, and the arrival of the  IRONMAN 70.3 series further strengthens the city's position as a host for major international sporting events.