IRONMAN African Championship 2023

Live Stream, TV, Route, Start Time, Race Entry

The Ironman African Championship is the latest incarnation of the South Africa Ironman event that has been taking place at Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth for many years now.

The Ironman remains very probably the ultimate in physical challenges, and it is a source of some curiosity to me that is doesn't enjoy a wider appeal, remaining something of a niche event, bit one thing that is beyond any doubt is that the participants are some of the most dedicated and fit athletes in any sporting field. The sheer physical exertion was tragically highlighted at the 70.3 version of the South Africa Ironman in January 2013 when 2 competing athletes died from reported cardiac respiratory arrest.

I am on record as saying that I would love to actually take part in an Ironman triathlon one day (although I would almost certainly have to ease myself in relatively gently with the half-distance 70.3 version) and if and when the time ever comes then choosing a destination would be key, with the chance to visit some pretty exotic locations very much part of the appeal.

Ironman Africa Date

The Ironman African Championship in 2023 takes place on Sunday 5th March.

Course and Schedule

The race starts at 7.00am and has the usual 17 hour time limit, taking you to midnight the same day. The starting location is at Port Elizabeth's popular Hobie Beach, and the course proceeds as follows:

Swim:

2 loops around a 1.9km course, starting and finishing at Hobie Beach.

Bike:

From transition at Hobie Beach, then 3 loops of the following course:

Walmer Boulevard

Heugh Road

Buffelsfontein Road

Seaview Road

Sardinia Bay Road

Victoria Drive

Marine Drive

Run:

Another 3 loop course focused mainly along the scenic seafront of Marine Drive, with a shorter section on University Avenue.

For full course details, including maps and cut off times, see the official site Course plan

TV & Live Streaming

There is an increasing range of online coverage available for the Ironman triathlon these days, with availability of TV, video and streaming varying by location.

There is live timing and streaming on the official Ironman site:

Ironman Live Official

Hotels and Accommodation

If you're in Port Elizabeth for the triathlon and planning on spending some time around the area then you can check out availability and make online reservations for local hotels here.

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