IRONMAN Cartagena
IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena is on 29 November 2026. The 1.9 km swim is in the bay, the 90 km bike is flat, and the 21.1 km run goes through the walled colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Late November here is hot and humid, and the old town has stone underfoot with buildings that hold the heat well into the day. The run decides your race, not the bike.
Set against that, it is one of the easier long-haul races to justify to whoever is travelling with you. The walled city is compact and walkable, the airport is minutes from the centre, and there are direct flights from several US cities.
Stay inside or just outside the walls if you would rather not organise a taxi for four in the morning on race day.

Who it's for
Built for experienced triathlon athletes.
Good fit if you…
- are experienced in triathlon and want a hard race
- want a well-known, high-status race
Maybe not if you…
- are brand-new to triathlon: start with something shorter
What should you know about IRONMAN Cartagena?
- Date
- Sunday, 29 November 2026
- Format
- Half / 70.3
- Water temp
- 26.9°C · 80°F
Need to know
When is IRONMAN Cartagena 2026?
IRONMAN Cartagena takes place on Sunday, 29 November 2026. Dates can move year to year, so confirm the exact day on the official race page before you book travel.
How do you register for IRONMAN Cartagena?
Where does IRONMAN Cartagena take place?
Cartagena, Colombia
FAQs
What do athletes ask about IRONMAN Cartagena?
Where is IRONMAN Cartagena held?
IRONMAN Cartagena is held in Cartagena, Colombia. The race page has the venue location and a map, and links straight through to the official site for the precise start area.
What distances can you race at IRONMAN Cartagena?
IRONMAN Cartagena offers Half / 70.3. The Half / 70.3 is a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run. Pick your distance and enter on the official site. Each format usually has its own start wave and cut-offs.
How hard is IRONMAN Cartagena?
IRONMAN Cartagena is rated competitive (4/5) for difficulty on FindMyNextRace, based on its distance, terrain, and the level of the field. Use that as a guide and match it to your current fitness before you commit.
What's the water temperature at IRONMAN Cartagena?
The swim at IRONMAN Cartagena is around 26.9°C (80°F), based on the official average for the venue. Water temperature drives wetsuit rules, so check the organiser's current wetsuit policy before race day.
How do I enter IRONMAN Cartagena?
You enter IRONMAN Cartagena through the official organiser. Registration is handled on their site, and FindMyNextRace links you straight there. Places for popular editions can sell out early, so register as soon as entry opens.
Is IRONMAN Cartagena part of a race series?
Yes, IRONMAN Cartagena is part of the IRONMAN series. Series events often share a qualification, points, or championship pathway, so if you're chasing the series, check how this race fits its calendar.
How should I train for IRONMAN Cartagena?
Training for IRONMAN Cartagena depends on your target distance and current fitness. Most athletes follow a structured block of 12–20 weeks for a Half / 70.3 effort. Build a plan tailored to your race date and level with AI Training Plan (https://aitrainingplan.app).
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