Isuzu Ironman full-distance race moves to Mossel Bay

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - For the first time in 21 years, Ironman SA has announced that the new full-distance race destination will be moved from Nelson Mandela Bay to Mossel Bay, and will debut next April.

The Ironman Group released a statement in which it said the introduction of Mossel Bay as the new destination of the full-distance race is the “largest transformation in South African triathlon history”, adding that the 2027 calendar will now consist of the Isuzu Ironman SA Mossel Bay African Championship, the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay African Championship and the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Durban.

“With the landmark shift taking Ironman SA to a new home in Mossel Bay, the swim start and finish line will be held at Santos Beach and De Bakke resort precinct.

"The bike course is set to showcase the spectacular scenery of the Garden Route and Mossel Bay coastline, combining long stretches of open road, rolling terrain and sweeping coastal vistas. The run course will take athletes on a marathon through some of the region’s most iconic coastal and urban landscapes that showcase the unique character of Mossel Bay.”

Ironman SA’s regional director, Sam Brawn, said: “This is a defining moment for triathlon in South Africa. By introducing a new full-distance venue for the first time in a generation, while embracing the growth of Ironman 70.3 racing, we are creating more opportunities for athletes to compete, experience iconic destinations, and be part of the sport’s continued evolution. Together, the race changes represent a deliberate strategic evolution, expanding the full-distance footprint while creating more accessible pathways into the sport.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Veje Olsen, the managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “South Africa has long been a cornerstone of our presence in the region, offering world-class racing, passionate communities and exceptional host destinations. This evolution of the calendar underscores our commitment to investing in the long-term growth of the sport in South Africa and creating sustainable opportunities for athletes, partners and host communities for years to come.”

The Ironman Group’s statement said with this shift in destinations, this means that for the first time, South Africa will host two regional championship events, and Africa will host an Ironman 70.3 regional championship for the first time.

As for the Ironman 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay race, the group said this will become an African championship and will be the first Ironman 70.3 triathlon to hold the regional championship distinction on the African continent, joining regional championships in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Middle East.

“This landmark announcement builds on more than two decades of racing heritage in Nelson Mandela Bay, where the Isuzu Ironman SA has taken place for 21 years. Over its 21-year history, the event has delivered significant economic impact, contributing an estimated R638.5m since 2017 to local economies,” said the group.

It added that the update also sees the South African race calendar return to the traditional timing of January - April - June, allowing athletes to plan their seasons effectively as part of the wider South African endurance calendar.

Both the Durban and Nelson Mandela races will be qualifiers to the 2027 Precision Fuel & Hydration Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, USA, while the Isuzu Ironman SA Mossel Bay African Championship will be a qualifier to the 2027 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai?i.

The full South Africa 2027 calendar consists of:
• Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay African Championship - Sunday 31 January 2027
• Isuzu Ironman SA Mossel Bay African Championship - Sunday 18 April 2027
• Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Durban - Sunday 6 June 2027.

General registration for the Mossel Bay and Nelson Mandela Bay races will open on 12 August, while Durban’s will open on 2 September.

For more information, visit www.ironman.com/races/im-mossel-bay or www.ironman.com/races/im703-nelson-mandela-bay or www.ironman.com/races/im703-durban.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’