IRONMAN 70.3 San Salvador
In the case of El Salvador, the 2026 edition will be the first time the country hosts an event of this magnitude.
The swim will take place at Lake Ilopango, the cycling stage along the Pan-American Highway, and the race will finish in San Salvador’s Historic Center.
What is the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon?
The IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon, also known as the Half IRONMAN, is an international endurance competition that combines three sports disciplines — swimming, cycling, and running — in a single day.
The name “70.3” comes from the total distance in miles (113 km) covered by participants.
It is considered half the distance of a full IRONMAN (140.6 miles) but remains a tremendous physical and mental challenge.
Structure of the IRONMAN 70.3
Swim – 1.9 km (1.2 miles)
Usually held in the sea, a lake, or a reservoir.
Athletes swim one lap or a circuit marked by buoys.
Bike – 90 km (56 miles)
The route covers paved roads with slopes, curves, and fast sections.
Competitors must obey traffic rules and avoid “drafting” (riding in groups).
Run – 21.1 km (13.1 miles)
Equivalent to a half marathon.
Runners often go through urban or scenic areas of the host country.
Purpose and Spirit of the Event
IRONMAN 70.3 is not only about rewarding speed but also endurance, discipline, and strategy.
Both professional and amateur athletes participate (many of whom train in their free time while balancing work and family).
The organization’s motto is:
“Anything is Possible.”
Organizers 2026
The IRONMAN 70.3 San Salvador event will be organized through collaboration among several entities:
- The IRONMAN Group, the international franchise and official promoter of the IRONMAN circuit.
- Latam Sports, a regional company operating across Latin America and serving as the local partner for the event.
- The Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (MITUR), representing the Salvadoran government as a national partner and host.
Date and Location
The event will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Location: San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.
This will be the first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 event held in El Salvador.
Distances / Course / Venues
The format follows the standard Half IRONMAN (approximately 113 km):
- Swim: 1.9 km (1.2 miles) in Lake Ilopango — a volcanic crater lake near San Salvador.
- Bike: ~90 km (56 miles) along the Pan-American Highway, featuring scenic mountain and volcano views.
- Run: 21.1 km (13.1 miles) through San Salvador’s Historic Center, finishing at Plaza Gerardo Barrios.
Relevance and Opportunities
The event will offer qualifying slots for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship 2026, which will take place in Nice, France, for select participants.
From a tourism perspective, this represents an excellent opportunity to discover El Salvador — its nature, volcanoes, history, and culture.
Travel and Accommodation
San Salvador, the vibrant capital of El Salvador, offers a mix of cultural charm and modern comfort.
Travelers can explore historic sites, bustling markets, and nearby volcanoes.
For accommodations, options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and boutique stays.
Popular neighborhoods are known for their safety, dining, and nightlife.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, San Salvador has something for every traveler.