San Juan, Argentina to Host First Full-Distance IRONMAN and 5150 Triathlon in 2026
Imagine racing beneath the majestic Andes — a festival-style weekend of world-class racing, community celebration, and sweeping mountain vistas.
Why San Juan, Why Now?
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, San Juan is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, warm climate, and vibrant sporting culture. Building on the success of IRONMAN® 70.3® San Juan, the city is set to host two new events on the same weekend:
- 5150 San Juan: Friday, October 30, 2026
- IRONMAN San Juan: Sunday, November 1, 2026
"San Juan has proven to be a truly attractive destination," says Joanna Jordan, Vice President - Managing Director of Latin America for The IRONMAN Group. "Following the success of the IRONMAN 70.3 San Juan event, we know that this vibrant community is the perfect location to host a full-distance IRONMAN race in Argentina."
Martín Antón, Race Director of IRONMAN San Juan and EVENTSPORT, adds, "Bringing an IRONMAN triathlon back to Argentina is a milestone for our country. San Juan offers everything we could hope for—spectacular landscapes, passionate community support, and the full commitment of the local government."
Race Weekend at a Glance
- Friday, Oct 30, 2026: 5150 San Juan (Olympic distance)
- Sunday, Nov 1, 2026: IRONMAN San Juan (full distance)
Who It's For
5150: Perfect for first-timers or as a tune-up race. Standard distances include a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run. Consider using UV Anti-Fog Adjustable Swimming Goggles for optimal visibility in the water.
Full-distance: 226.2 km (140.6 miles) featuring fast flats, challenging hills, and an urban finish. For proper hydration during the race, check out Ultima Replenisher Electrolytes to maintain peak performance.
For more details, visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im-san-juan and the https://www.ironman.com/races/5150-san-juan.
The Course: Swim, Bike, Run Through the Andes
Swim — 3.8 km at Punta Negra Dam
Begin your race in the calm, scenic waters of Punta Negra Dam, surrounded by the San Juan River and Cerro Blanco. Expect clear vistas and a controlled environment that favors steady pacing. For post-swim hair care, consider specialized products to protect against chlorine damage.
Bike — 180.2 km One-Lap Showcase
Cycle through vineyards, colorful valleys, and serene rivers, all with panoramic mountain backdrops. The course blends fast flats with challenging hills, requiring strategic pacing and gearing. Make sure your bike is equipped with proper safety gear like the USB LED Bike Helmet with UV Protection.
Run — 42.2 km Downtown, Flat and Fast
Conclude with a fast, urban marathon through San Juan's city streets, finishing at Plaza del Bicentenario. The high-energy atmosphere and local support will drive you to the finish line. Understanding triathlon time limits can help you pace yourself effectively.
Your Path to Kona: Qualification Details
The 2026 IRONMAN San Juan offers age-group qualifying slots for the 2027 IRONMAN World Championship® in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. Slots are awarded to top finishers in each age group, with a rolldown process for unclaimed slots. Learn more about performance standards and qualifying times to set your goals.
For more information, visit the Age Group Qualification System.
Planning Your San Juan Experience
Travel and Logistics
- Getting there: Most international travelers will route through Buenos Aires and connect to San Juan via a domestic flight.
- Where to stay: Consider proximity between the swim start at Punta Negra Dam and the downtown finish.
Training Considerations
Bike specificity: Blend long, steady aero work with controlled efforts on hills. Consider using AI-powered training apps to optimize your preparation.
Heat management: Practice fueling and hydration strategies in warm conditions. Stock up on Magnesium Citrate supplements to prevent cramping in hot weather.
Community and Culture
Experience a celebratory atmosphere with strong local support. Explore San Juan's vineyards, mountain viewpoints, and regional cuisine for an unforgettable post-race experience. Check out our guide to beginner-friendly IRONMAN races if this will be your first full-distance event.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- New full-distance IRONMAN and 5150 arrive in San Juan, Oct 30–Nov 1, 2026.
- A scenic, varied course with fast flats, meaningful hills, and an urban, high-energy finish.
- Age-group slots on offer for the 2027 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i.
Action Steps
- Bookmark the official event pages and subscribe for registration alerts.
- Start heat-acclimation training and dial in bike pacing for mixed terrain. Consider reading about game-changing training drills to elevate your performance.
- Plan travel and lodging early and arrive with time to acclimate. For race-day gear, explore options like the Competition Trisuit for Men.
