Sold-Out IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast for 2026

This weekend’s event will see more than 2,000 athletes take on the 1.9km swim starting and finishing on Mooloolaba Beach, a 90km ride taking in the Sunshine Motorway and a 21.1km run finishing on the Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group Asia-Pacific Leanna Ali, said that the team was excited to welcome athletes back to the ever-popular Sunshine Coast event, with this year’s edition a sell-out.

“IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast is a popular event for athletes from home and abroad and we look forward to having a sold-out field of athletes on course this Sunday,” said Ms Ali. 

“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect setting for an event like this and we’re thrilled to be bringing athletes back to the region for the 13^th running of IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast.

“We’re also set to welcome some of the top professional athletes in the region back to the Sunshine Coast with a strong women’s and men’s field which is sure to feature exciting racing,” she said. 

“Saturday will also feature an IRONKIDS event meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to be involved in IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast continued to showcase the region as one of Australia's premier destinations for endurance sport.

"The Sunshine Coast provides an exceptional backdrop for IRONMAN 70.3, with athletes able to experience our stunning coastline, active lifestyle and welcoming community, while taking on one of the sport's ultimate challenges," Mayor Natoli said.

 "We're proud to welcome athletes, supporters and visitors from across Australia and around the world as they come together for this iconic endurance event.

"IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast is an important part of our Major Events Strategy, helping drive visitation, support local businesses and strengthen our reputation as a leading destination for sport and events.

"Events like this deliver lasting benefits for our region, while creating unforgettable experiences for competitors and spectators alike. They also provide our residents with the opportunity to witness world-class sporting achievements right here on the Sunshine Coast."

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson MP said the sold-out event was another win for the Sunshine Coast and the Crisafulli Government's plan to cement Queensland as the events capital of Australia.

"The Sunshine Coast continues to cement its reputation as one of Australia's premier destinations for major events, attracting competitors and visitors from around the country while showcasing our region to a national audience," Ms Simpson said. 

"This year's event is expected to inject $8 million into the local economy, delivering a significant boost for accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators across the Sunshine Coast.

"The Crisafulli Government is focused on securing more world-class events to support local jobs, create opportunities for businesses and help cement Queensland as the events capital of Australia."

Plan ahead for Sunday travel 

Use the interactive map to plan around traffic condition changes affecting the Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and Cotton Tree on Sunday 13 September, 2026.

• Sunday morning southbound access to Sunshine Coast Airport is via David Low Way. Northbound travellers must take the Twin Waters exit. Plan for traffic delays and allow extra travel time.
• Transport options into Mooloolaba include walking, riding, Kinetic buses (50c fares), the Mooloolaba Ferry ($15 return) and a free Park ‘n’ Ride service for participants, spectators and Mooloolaba-based staff and workers on Sunday, operating 4.30am-5.30pm from Mountain Creek State High School to River Esplanade, Mooloolaba.

For residents and businesses - waste collection services in the event precinct and along the course will be earlier than normal. For Sunday bin collection, put bins out Saturday night in your usual collection location.

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland. The Sunshine Coast Council supports the event through its Major Events Sponsorship Program. 

For more information on IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-sunshine-coast