Ottawa gears up for first ever Ironman triathlon

On August 3, Ottawa will host the prestigious Ironman triathlon for the first time — a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42.2 km marathon. About 3,000 athletes will take part in the race, and registration for the 2025 event is already closed.

Ironman competitions are rapidly gaining popularity. In 2024, more than 50,000 people completed their first Ironman or Ironman 70.3, with participation among women increasing by 10% and youth (18-35) participation reaching a record.

The Ottawa route includes a swim along the Ottawa River, a bike ride through the city streets, and a run along the Rideau Canal, finishing at Parliament Hill.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe invited citizens to support the participants and marked the best spots for spectators on the map. Ironman promises to become a new sports brand for the city, on par with the already famous Tamarack Race Weekend marathon.