IRONMAN 70.3 Durban going ahead this weekend

The famous Durban Golden Mile will host this years event and will give the athletes the best platform to take on the swim, bike, run race this weekend.

“Tourist destinations such as the Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World, stunning beachfront hotels and the Blue Flag beaches in the area, along with Durban’s subtropical climate are some of the things that visiting athletes can look forward to," Keith Bowler, IRONMAN South Africa Managing Director said.

"The event will be a boost to the city’s tourism which is on the road to recovery after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Despite the fact that the president increased the nationwide lockdown to alert level two on Sunday night, the race and it's organisers are confident that they have all the correct protocol in place. 

“It is extremely important to me that racing returns in a manner consistent with sound public health guidelines.

"We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that athletes have an incredible race experience under our Safe Return to Racing Guidelines.

"Unfortunately, due to the continued status of the COVID-19 pandemic and the regulations set by the South African government, the IRONMAN 70.3 Durban event cannot accommodate spectators at the race venue or on the race course.

"We therefore encourage the public to follow the race progress from home on the IRONMAN App (available on iOS and Android), and on our social media channels,” said Bowler.

This weekend's race will be the sixth edition of the Durban leg of the grueling event and it's first since 2019 following the cancellation of 2020's event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.