The Ironman Group has announced a new addition to its Chinese expansion with the introduction of Ironman 70.3 Dali. Scheduled for September 13, 2026, the race will bring Middle Distance triathlon to the Yunnan Province, a region renowned for its high-altitude landscapes and deep historical roots.
Dali becomes the latest destination in a growing Chinese market, offering a course that combines significant elevation with a relatively flat profile.
The Course: High Altitude, Flat Profile
While the city of Dali sits at an elevation of approximately 1,970 meters, the course itself is designed to be fast. The high-altitude environment will provide a unique physiological challenge for athletes, but the terrain remains accessible:
- Swim (1.9 km): A single counterclockwise loop in Erhai Lake, one of China’s largest freshwater bodies, set against the backdrop of the Cang Mountain range.
- Bike (90 km): A three-lap course around the Erhai Lake loop. Despite the mountainous surroundings, the bike leg is described as nearly flat.
- Run (21.1 km): A two-lap route starting at the Dali International Olympic Sports Center. Much of the run takes place on the Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor, a scenic path popular with local tourists.
Cultural Integration
The move to Dali is part of a broader strategy to integrate international endurance sports with regional tourism. Dali is a significant cultural hub, featuring the 1,000-year-old Dali Ancient Town and the historic Three Pagodas of Chengshen Temple. The region is also the heart of the Bai ethnic culture, providing a distinct atmosphere for international and domestic competitors.
Michelle Pepper, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for The Ironman Group, noted that the event serves as an opportunity for athletes to explore the unique scenery of the Yunnan Province. Race Director Asif Fu emphasized the goal of merging a world-class sporting event with the natural heritage of Erhai Lake and the local community’s hospitality.
Logistics and Registration
Dali is accessible via the Dali Fengyi Airport and high-speed rail links from Kunming, the provincial capital. This infrastructure makes the race a viable option for international travelers connecting through major Chinese hubs.
Registration for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dali officially opens on Friday, March 27, 2026.