5150 Chennai

IRONMAN Olympic-Distance Triathlon 2026

The 5150 Chennai is a flagship triathlon event under the IRONMAN brand, making its historic debut in India on 11 January 2026. This race is the first 5150 Triathlon ever held in the country — bringing the globally recognised Olympic-distance format of 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Hosted along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) with race operations based around the MGM Beach Resort & Kovalam Beach, the event combines world-class endurance sport with coastal atmosphere and growing triathlon culture in South India.

️ Event Date & Location

• Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
• Venue: MGM Beach Resort & Kovalam Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Host City: Chennai — vibrant coastal city known for culture, beaches and rising sports tourism.

‍Race Format: Olympic Distance (5150)

The 5150 format is one of the most popular Olympic-distance triathlon races worldwide — often seen as a bridge between beginner triathlons and longer Ironman distances.

Swim

• 1.5 km in the calm Bay of Bengal waters at Kovalam Beach
• Blue Flag-certified swim location with rolling wave starts to safely manage athletes.

‍Bike

• 40 km total on a flat, fast course
• Two 20 km loops along smooth, coastal highway roads — perfect for high-speed cycling.

‍Run

• 10 km run course (two laps of a 5 km flat, scenic coastal stretch) — ideal for fast pacing and strong finishes.

This totals 51.5 km of swim-bike-run, giving the name 5150 to the race.

️ Event Schedule Highlights

Before Race Day (Fri & Sat):

• Athlete check-in, EXPO stalls and merchandise
• Bike service area open
• Q&A sessions with the Race Director

Race Day (Sun, 11 Jan):

• 5150 race rolling start at around 7:00 AM
• Awards presentation after midday

️ Why This Event Matters

• Historic milestone for India: India becomes one of the few countries in Asia to host a 5150 Triathlon under the IRONMAN banner.
• Boosts endurance sports culture: Builds on IRONMAN India’s legacy after successful IRONMAN 70.3 races in Goa.
• Accessible for many athletes: Olympic-distance format is a popular entry point for triathletes aiming to step up from shorter races.
• Scenic coastal course: Fast, flat courses with sea views along East Coast Road.

**Disclaimer: While we aim to provide accurate, timely event information, all details, including date, venue, category, and race logistics, are subject to change by the official organizers. Please verify the latest information through the official event channels before registering or participating.