IRONMAN SA
The 18th edition of the IRONMAN African Championship and 2nd edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay have both been confirmed to take place on Sunday, 5 March 2023, allowing athletes to make the most of the South African event calendar.
The swim course and transition area are also moving from King's Beach back to the original area at Hobie Beach.
"The race date is slightly earlier in the year than normal, but we feel this is a more suitable date as it will provide athletes with the best race experience," said Keith Bowler, Regional Managing Director of IRONMAN South Africa.
"We are also really pleased to confirm that the swim and transition area will move back to where it all first began for IRONMAN South Africa at Hobie Beach. Having the swim and transition area at Hobie Beach is better for our spectators as they get to view the start of the swim from the iconic Shark Rock Pier again."
Paul Wolff, Director of Operations for IRONMAN South Africa, says the shift to King's Beach in 2021 was originally done in order to create more space and expand the number of athletes racing both the full and half IRONMAN events.
Kings Beach was also the swim course and transition area for the 2018 ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship which was a great success.
"However, after receiving feedback from our athletes we decided that the move back to Hobie Beach would provide the familiar close proximity to transition and the finish line, as well as great spectator spots along the course," said Wolff.
2022 saw local Nelson Mandela Bay favourite Kyle Buckingham taking home the crown in the men's race and German favourite Daniela Bleymehl win the women's race.
Buckingham is emigrating to the United States with his young family but has already indicated that he will be back to defend his title next year.
