The global Ironman circuit is heading somewhere it’s never been before: the shores of the Caspian Sea. On September 5, 2026, the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Baku Azerbaijan will mark the first IM-branded event in the post-Soviet region, bringing the sport’s trademark blend of endurance, spectacle, and destination racing to one of the world’s most eclectic capitals.
A Race That Starts at Noon, Ends with a Concert
Unlike the typical early morning start, Baku will break tradition with a midday gun, setting athletes off under the late summer sun. The timing means finishers will cross the line against a backdrop of sunset on the Caspian waterfront – before the city transforms into a festival atmosphere with a Saturday night concert downtown.
With September temperatures averaging 21–26°C, the conditions look set for fast racing and a memorable experience both on and off the course.
The Courses: Caspian Calm, Rolling Roads, and Waterfront Sprints
The day begins with a single-loop 1.9 km swim in Baku Bay, offering calm, sheltered waters that should appeal to newcomers and veterans alike. Transition sits in the shadow of Stat Flag Park and the iconic Baku Crystal Hall, immediately grounding the race in the city’s landmark scenery.
From there, the 90 km bike course pushes athletes beyond the urban sprawl. It’s a two-loop out-and-back that contrasts the sleek cityscape with open northern roads. Along the way, competitors will pass the striking Bibi-Heybat Mosque, tackling stretches of speed-friendly flats punctuated by rolling ascents to keep legs honest.
The half marathon closes the day with three waterfront loops, totalling 21.1 km. Flat and fast – just 15m of elevation gain – the run weaves past Baku’s Old City walls and even covers sections of the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, before funneling finishers down Baku Boulevard in true big-city fashion.
More Than a Race: ‘Unlimited Joy’
For local organizers, this event is about more than putting Azerbaijan on the triathlon calendar. Farid Farhadzade, owner of the event and President of the Azerbaijan Triathlon Federation, summed up the vision:
“This race will not only be about endurance and pushing limits but also embody what we call ‘Unlimited Joy.’ Athletes will experience a truly memorable race as they pass the city’s iconic landmarks, witness the modern face of Baku, embrace the spirit of the Old City, and cross the finish line at sunset.”