IRONMAN 70.3 Dali
About the race
Experience IRONMAN 70.3 Dali on September 13th, 2026. Race through stunning Erhai Lake and Cangshan scenery while discovering rich Bai culture, ancient towns, and authentic local charm.
In 2026, IRONMAN 70.3 comes to Dali, a historic city in Yunnan Province, for the first time. The race unfolds along the eastern shores of Erhai Lake, famed for its breathtaking scenery. Here, the dramatic Cangshan rise above the shimmering waters, creating one of the world's most spectacular natural stages for endurance sport.
Registration Notes:
- Deadline for name inclusion on Name Tee: 11:59 pm (GMT+8) on 14th August.
- The Name T-shirt is not included with registration.
- Late registration after 14th August: Bib with number only, name not guaranteed elsewhere.
Transition
There is only one transition, located at the Erhe North Road.
What your entry includes
The course
Swim: A point-to-point 1.9 km swim course along the Xier River, passing under two bridges. Bike: A fast, almost flat 3-lap bike course on well-paved roads lined by Erhai Lake. Run: A flat and paved 2-lap run course entering the Dali Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor after the first 2.7 km, with aid stations every 1.7 km.
Swim Course
This is a point-to-point (A to B) swim course, covering a total of 1.9 km. Athletes will swim northeast along the Xier River, passing under two bridges before reaching the finish. The course consists of four segments, measuring 184 m, 391 m, 1,185 m, and 140 m respectively.
Bike Course
The fast bike course is almost flat with well-paved roads in excellent condition. Athletes will remain on the right side of the road at all times. The course comprises three laps, with athletes executing a U-turn at the far end of each lap. The azure waters of Erhai Lake line one side of the course throughout.
Run Course
The run course is flat and paved. After the first 2.7 kilometers, athletes will enter the Dali Erhai Lake Ecology Landscape Corridor. The course comprises two laps, with aid stations every 1.7 kilometers.
Race weekend schedule
Location
City insight: Dali
Dali is an old city in China's Yunnan province, set beside Erhai Lake and below the Cangshan mountains at about 2,000 metres, with a walled old town and Bai ethnic culture. The altitude gives a mild, spring-like climate for much of the year, with plenty of sun: summers (June to August) are warm and rainy, autumn (September to November) is clear and pleasant, winters (December to February) are dry with cool nights, and spring is windy. Autumn to spring is the best for racing. Expect thinner air for newcomers. It is reached by air to Dali or by train from Kunming.
Know from the athletes
Good to know
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Are two-person Relay Teams permitted?
Yes. A two-person relay can complete the race with any combination of disciplines. Relay teams may later add a third person if they wish.
Can all team members cross the finish line together?
No. Only the run leg relay participant can cross the finish line. The Competition Rules state that only the relay runner can cross the finish line; if the other team members cross the finish line with the runner, the team would receive a disqualification. All other relay participants will be able to access post-race finish line athlete areas, not including the finish line secure zone.
Can I be a team member on two different relay teams?
No. Team members are only allowed to compete on one relay team.
What will a Relay Team need to bring to Athlete Check-In?
All relay team members must have a photo I.D. If you are not yet registered to a team, you will need to do so at the Solutions table within athlete check-in to race with your relay team.
How do I request to switch a Relay Member?
Contact the event email address to make any relay team member changes. Please provide the details of which team member you wish to cancel and provide the full name and email address of the new team member.
Do all Relay Team Members need to attend Athlete Check-In?
Yes. All teams MUST arrive together for Athlete Check-In to ensure that all the materials are accounted for. During Athlete Check-In, athletes will be required to sign their own individual waivers. A relay team will be assigned one bib number. Each relay team will receive one packet with the following: swim cap, bike label, helmet label and a bib.
What is the Withdrawal Policy for a Relay Team?
Relay captains are eligible for a partial refund of the registration fee. Please review the withdrawal policy to reference the partial refund options.
Does each Relay Team Member receive a timing chip?
No. The relay team will receive one timing chip at bike check-in. The timing chip acts as a “baton” and team members must hand-off the timing strap/chip to move forward to the next discipline. Relay athletes must always keep ankle strap and chip on their ankle until making the transfer between team members in transition.
Do all Relay Team Members need to be the same age and gender?
No. Relay team members can be comprised of a mix of gender and age. *All participants must be 18 years of age on race day.
If a team member fails to make the course cut-off, can other team members still complete their leg of the race?
No. Failure to complete the swim or bike course within the time constraints will result as a DNF of the entire team. Please refer to the Athlete Guide for the time cut-offs on each bike and run course. Relay teams are subject to the same cut-off times as all other athletes.
If I am the swimmer or cyclist, how do I receive my finisher medal and finisher items?
The runner will collect all 3 finisher medals and hats for the entire relay team.