IRONMAN to Return Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh in October 2026

The IRONMAN 70.3 Sharm El-Sheikh comes to the Red Sea coastline this October. Brought to Egypt by Stamina Sports, the event will draw athletes from across the world to compete in one of endurance sport's most popular formats — a 113-kilometre triathlon combining open-water swimming, cycling, and running across the vivid landscapes of South Sinai. "We are very excited to welcome athletes from all over the world and showcase Egypt as a world-class race destination,” said Hassan Khalifa, CEO of Stamina Sports. Sharm El-Sheikh offers a unique combination of performance conditions and unforgettable experiences — from the Red Sea to desert landscapes. Beyond the race, athletes and their families will discover the true spirit of Egyptian hospitality and adventure." The resort city offers what few race venues can match: warm, calm waters, year-round sunshine, and dramatic desert mountain scenery — all within reach of world-renowned coral reefs and renowned Egyptian hospitality. For athletes travelling with family, the race weekend promises a complete destination experience well beyond the finish line. The swim covers 1.9 km in a single loop in Naama Bay on the Red Sea — calm water, exceptional visibility, and minimal currents. The bike leg spans 90 km over two loops along the Dahab Road desert highway, featuring rolling terrain, gradual climbs, and fast descents. The run is a 21.1 km two-loop coastal and urban route — mostly flat and designed to maximise both spectator engagement and athlete pace. The "70.3" designation refers to the total race distance in miles, and the format is one of the most popular in global endurance sport. The addition of Sharm El-Sheikh to the IRONMAN 70.3 calendar makes it one of the premier triathlon events in the Middle East and North Africa, a strategic race stop that fuses elite sport with destination tourism.