IRONMAN Sunshine Coast
IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast races from Mooloolaba on 13 September 2026: 1.9 km in the Pacific, 90 km on the coastal roads and into the hinterland, and 21.1 km along the esplanade.
September is early spring in Queensland, and that is the point of the date. You get warm water and mild air without the summer humidity that turns racing on this coast in February into a survival exercise. It is one of the more forgiving half-distance dates in the southern hemisphere.
The swim is an ocean start off a surf beach. Even on a calm day there is a shore break to get through, and if you have only raced in lakes, spend a morning practising the entry and diving under a wave before race day.
The run is flat and exposed along the water. Shade runs out by mid-morning, so the sun protection you skip in Europe matters here.

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 Sunshine Coast?
- Date
- Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Format
- Half / 70.3
- Water temp
- 19°C · 66°F
Need to know
When is IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 2026?
IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast take place?
Mooloolaba, Australia
FAQs
What do athletes ask about IRONMAN Sunshine Coast?
Where is IRONMAN Sunshine Coast held?
IRONMAN Sunshine Coast is held in Mooloolaba, Australia. 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 Sunshine Coast?
IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast?
IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast?
The swim at IRONMAN Sunshine Coast is around 19°C (66°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 Sunshine Coast?
You enter IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast part of a race series?
Yes, IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast?
Training for IRONMAN Sunshine Coast 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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