The IRONMAN African Championship and IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay have both been confirmed to take place on Sunday, March 5, 2023, allowing athletes to make the most of the South African event calendar.
The swimming course and transition area are also confirmed to be moving back to the original area, Hobie Beach.
“We are excited to announce the changes to the 2023 IRONMAN African Championship and IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Keith Bowler, regional managing director of IRONMAN South Africa.
“The race date is slightly earlier than normal, but we feel this is a more suitable date as it will provide athletes with the best race experience.
“We’re also really pleased to confirm that the swim and transition area will move back to where it all first began for IRONMAN South Africa, in Hobie Beach. Having the swim and transition area in Hobie Beach is better for our spectators as they get to line up on the iconic pier again, thus bringing back that electric atmosphere at the swim start and course throughout the day,” said Bowler.
Since 2021, the IRONMAN African Championship has started and transitioned from Kings Beach, with the finish line remaining at Hobie Beach. Paul Wolff, director of operations for IRONMAN South Africa, explained the reason for the change in venue.
“The shift was originally done in order to create more space and expand the number of athletes racing in both the IRONMAN African Championship and IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay. Kings Beach was also the swim course and transition area for the 2018 ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship which was a great success.
“However, after hearing feedback from our athletes, the move back to Hobie Beach will provide the familiar close proximity to transition and the finish line, as well as great spectator spots along the course.”
The 2022 ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship saw athletes from 44 different countries from around the world taking part in the race, cementing the city as an iconic ‘bucket list’ triathlon destination. With more than 1 000 athletes visiting Nelson Mandela Bay for the 2022 edition of the IRONMAN African Championship, local tourism saw an increase including many hotels, bed and breakfast and other establishments having full rooms.
The new Boardwalk Mall made a great addition to the event in 2022 with the first phase being completed in time for the April race. Athletes were able to enjoy the new Mall creating a great buzz around the venue. This year saw local Nelson Mandela Bay favourite, Kyle Buckingham, taking home the crown in the men’s race and German favourite, Daniela Bleymehl, winning the women’s race.
- General entries to the 2023 IRONMAN African Championship and IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay opened yesterday, May 24. After the recent success of the 2022 events, entries are expected to sell fast.
