IRONMAN Dali
IRONMAN 70.3 Dali on 13 September 2026 swims in Erhai Lake with the Cangshan range along one side, then rides 90 km and runs 21.1 km in the Yunnan highlands.
Altitude is the fact that changes your race. Erhai sits close to 2,000 metres, and everything is harder than the numbers say, the swim most of all, where your breathing rate climbs before you have done anything. Power targets from home do not transfer. Arrive early if you can, and if you cannot, race on perceived effort and accept a slower bike split.
The profile here is mountainous rather than rolling, so the 90 km ride climbs properly. Gearing you would consider excessive at sea level is the correct choice.
Dali is a long way inland. Most people fly to Kunming and continue by high-speed rail, and it is worth building in a spare day at each end rather than arriving the night before a race at altitude.
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 Dali?
- Date
- Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Format
- Half / 70.3
- Water temp
- 17.8°C · 64°F
Need to know
When is IRONMAN Dali 2026?
IRONMAN Dali takes place on Sunday, 13 September 2026. Dates can move year to year, so confirm the exact day on the official race page before you book travel.
Where does IRONMAN Dali take place?
Dali, China
FAQs
What do athletes ask about IRONMAN Dali?
Where is IRONMAN Dali held?
IRONMAN Dali is held in Dali, China. 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 Dali?
IRONMAN Dali 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 Dali?
IRONMAN Dali 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 Dali?
The swim at IRONMAN Dali is around 17.8°C (64°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 Dali?
You enter IRONMAN Dali 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 Dali part of a race series?
Yes, IRONMAN Dali 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 Dali?
Training for IRONMAN Dali 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).
You might also like
Similar triathlon races.