IRONMAN 2024: Heading to Europe for the Most Famous Competition in the World

Among the hundreds of sporting events held annually around the world, the IRONMAN is rightfully considered the most prestigious and challenging. Perhaps the main difference of the “iron” race from all other competitions is that participants compete less with each other, here everyone overcomes themselves. It doesn’t matter what place you finish, what matters is reaching the end.

The IRONMAN triathlon consists of three consecutive stages: swimming, cycling and running. Each stage has a time limit. Fail to make it – disqualification, make it – victory.

The History of the IRONMAN Competition

In 1978, in Hawaii, annual competitions were held, after which during the award ceremony, a dispute arose among the participants about which athletes could be called the most enduring: swimmers, runners or cyclists. One of the main debaters, Marine John Collins, argued that it was cyclists, and as a test, he proposed to hold a race that would combine three existing competitions: swimming in open water, cycling and running. He said that the athlete who finishes first would be called IRONMAN.

Although this idea was met with little enthusiasm by the participants, John, along with his wife Judy, began preparations for the most challenging and powerful start in the world.

Today the IRONMAN triathlon is held in many countries, but the main annual IRONMAN World Championship takes place, as it did 46 years ago, in Hawaii.

Schedule of IRONMAN 2024 Competitions in Europe

The IRONMAN triathlon competitions in 2024 will take place in Europe according to the following schedule:

June 2, Hamburg
Hamburg captivates with its openness and diversity, elegant charm and the atmosphere of a bustling city – all of this makes it an exciting race location. In Hamburg, qualification slots for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France (women, September 22, 2024) and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (men, October 26, 2024) will be contested in both male and female categories.
June 16, Austria
This year, the organizers of the competitions in Austria have added more hot spots along the route with special landmarks to enhance the overall excitement. The venue for the competition is the heart of the IRONMAN – Klagenfurt, Carinthia. Here, spectators can watch the athletes and cheer them on during the final lap.
June 16, France
Nice is one of the premier venues for triathlon. Here, participants can admire the architecture of the old town and the azure coastline, as well as enjoy an unforgettable French race after completing the most iconic triathlon competition.
July 7, Switzerland
The majestic Alps, reflecting in the untouched waters of Lake Thun, will be pleased to welcome athletes to a new location. For 23 years, the race took place in Zurich, and now participants and spectators have the opportunity to admire three famous peaks (Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) and enjoy the beauty of these landscapes right from the event venue.
July 14, Spain
Vitoria-Gasteiz, with over a decade of triathlon heritage, invites participants to enjoy an exciting race in the cultural capital of the Basque Country. This renowned triathlon venue can also boast its amazing natural landscapes, rich culture, Basque cuisine and the most energetic fans!
August 17, Sweden
The Swedish city of Kalmar, where this year’s triathlon competitions will take place, will welcome participants on August 17. In this small county with a maritime charm, participants can expect a picturesque race, the final of which can be celebrated at the largest IRONMAN Finish Line Party in Europe.
August 18, Denmark
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, offers one of the most picturesque routes of the IRONMAN competitions. The race starts in the calm waters of Amager Beach, from where you can cycle to the Danish Riviera. And as you approach the finish line located in front of Christiansborg Palace, you can see famous landmarks such as the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn and the famous statue of the Little Mermaid.
August 18, Germany
On August 18, the competitions will take place in the heart of Germany – the city of Frankfurt. Participants can expect scenic routes with plenty of cultural landmarks along the way and, of course, the most unforgettable emotions.
August 24, Estonia
IRONMAN Tallinn invites participants to join the competitions that will take place around the historic Old Town of Tallinn and against the backdrop of the breathtaking landscapes of Harju County. The competition center is located on the shore of the Baltic Sea, in the beautiful port of Noblessner, where both participants and spectators can enjoy incredible sea views.
September 21, Italy
In Italy, the competitions will for the first time take place in the ancient fishing village of Cervia. The race will run along the coastal region of Emilia-Romagna, washed by the Adriatic Sea.
September 22, France
The French city of Nice continues to play a role as a co-owner of the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship. The top female professional triathletes of all age groups will head to the French Riviera to cover a distance of 226 km, which includes an ocean swim, a technical countryside bike ride and a lively coastal run.
October 6, Spain
In the Spanish village of Calella, the triathlon competitions will take place towards the end of the season. Participants can look forward to a swim in the bay, a fast bike route and a flat run. This race will have it all: from the opportunity to swim in the Spanish sunshine to the exciting IRONMAN Calella-Barcelona party.
October 19, Portugal
The third full-distance Portuguese IRONMAN race will be held in the city of Cascais on the Atlantic coast. Historical landmarks, palaces and fortresses from past times along the entire race route make the track in Portugal one of the most beautiful race courses ever created for triathlon.

Planning a Trip to Europe for the IRONMAN 2024

The first IRONMAN triathlon competitions in 2024 will take place in Europe on June 2nd. The first thing you should do is to check the availability of open slots, as without purchasing them, you won’t be able to participate in this incredible sports event.

Another important step is to apply for a Schengen visa. In May, Dubai is breaking temperature records, and along with that, records for the number of people wanting to escape the heat and travel to Europe.

If you start the visa application process now and entrust this task to specialists like The Visa Services, you can secure a guaranteed opportunity to participate in the most exciting competitions! Our experience allows us to find available slots even during the busiest times and provide urgent visa services to Europe if your trip is just a few days away!