Ironman adds more exciting destination races … will we get to enjoy them?

Even though Canada is deep in the throws of the latest wave of COVID-19 thanks to the Omicron variant, race organizers continue to work on events, hoping that the pandemic will have eased enough by the summer for triathletes to return to racing. Ironman has recently announced a couple of new races that certainly look like choice destination “race-cation” events – one in Greece next fall and another in Norway this summer.

Ironman 70.3 Sandnes

Set for July 3, 2022, this new event at the “gateway to the Fjords of Norway” promises “deep mystic fjords, spectacular waterfalls, picturesque city centres, long sandy beaches and world-famous monuments of the Viking heritage.” The day begins with a swim in the Gandsfjord followed by a ride along the North Sea coastline and ends with a run in the city centre of Sandnes. The race marks a return to Ironman racing in Norway – the last Ironman 70.3 Haugesund race took place in 2019.

Ironman 70.3 Vouliagmeni

Set in the Athens Riviera just 20 km from Athens, Ironman 70.3 Vouliagmeni will take place on Oct. 23, 2022. The race begins with a swim off the Vouliagmeni-Varkiza beach. Athletes then head towards the Ancient Temple of Poseidon, passing through fishing villages and “breath-taking” cliffs. The run course also follows along the coast, heading to Lake Vouliagmeni.

Both races will offer qualifying slots (30 for Sandnes, still to be confirmed for Greece) for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland in 2023.