The IRONMAN group has officially confirmed that the city of Versailles will host its inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on Sunday, July 12, 2026. This “half-distance” triathlon (113 km total) offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for athletes to swim, bike, and run through the historic grounds of the Sun King’s royal estate, just 15 minutes by train from Paris.
With the French triathlon market currently in a state of “ebullition”—now the second-largest in Europe—and all existing 2026 French races having sold out by the end of 2025, this new event is expected to be highly coveted.
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The Course: A Royal Tour of the Yvelines
The race is designed to be as culturally rich as it is physically demanding, utilizing the Baroque architecture and geometric gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
- Swim (1.9 km): The race begins in the Pièce d’eau des Suisses (The Pond of the Swiss), a 13-hectare basin constructed in the late 17th century. Athletes will swim with the majestic Château de Versailles as their backdrop.
- Bike (90 km): A one-loop, rolling course takes competitors through the City of Versailles and into the picturesque Chevreuse Valley, passing through several charming French villages.
- Run (21.1 km): The half marathon returns to the palace grounds, winding through the Potager du Roi (King’s Kitchen Garden) and historic streets.
- Finish Line: The final stretch leads to the Avenue de Paris, where the finish line is positioned directly in front of the Palace.
Registration and Logistics
If you are planning to race, mark your calendars: general registration opens on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Weather and Conditions: Average temperatures in the region during July are approximately 25°C. While the swim segments may provide a welcome cool-off, athletes should be prepared for potential summer heatwaves.
Training Benchmarks: To gauge your performance, the average Half Ironman time across all amateur athletes is approximately 5:51:25 for men and 6:18:13 for women. On the men’s side, this typically breaks down to a 38:51 swim, 2:54:38 bike, and 2:04:16 run.
Where to Stay: Closest Hotels to the Action
Versailles offers various accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. The most popular properties are located near the Versailles Rive Gauche Chateau Station, providing easy access to both the race start and trains to Paris.
| Hotel Name | Distance to Station | Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibis Versailles Château | 0.17 km | 8.0/10 | Closest to station, private parking |
| Hôtel le Louis Versailles Château – MGallery | 0.18 km | 9.0/10 | Popular, gym, golf/horse riding nearby |
| Hôtel la Résidence du Berry | 0.45 km | 8.5/10 | Luggage storage, free Wi-Fi |
| Hôtel Les Lumières – Relais & Châteaux | 0.61 km | 9.2/10 | Luxury option with a fitness room |
| Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace | N/A | Highly Rated | Luxury, fitness room, and pool |
Tip: Weekend hotel prices near the station average around US$294 per night, though rates fluctuate during major events.
The Road to the 2026 World Championships
The addition of Versailles is a strategic move for athletes aiming for the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will also be held in France—specifically in Nice on September 12–13, 2026.
Because Versailles takes place late in the qualifying cycle (July 2026), some forum experts suggest it may be a high-slot race (potentially up to 100 slots) as a host-country qualifier. This makes it a prime opportunity for athletes to secure a spot for the World Championships on home soil.
Community and Sustainability
The city of Versailles is heavily supporting the event, negotiating an exemption from €275,000 in registration fees and providing direct financial support of €8,000 to €10,000 to the local “Versailles Triathlon” club. The municipality also emphasizes that the race aligns with its goals for sustainable development, using the heritage sites as a model for “putting nature back at the heart of the city”.
