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Les Sables d’Olonne Ironman: one of the few full-distance events in France and a hugely popular half-distance race
Twenty years after the full Ironman France was first held in Nice, it took place in Les Sables d’Olonne. The town hosted this extreme race for the first time in 2025, having hosted several Ironman 70.3 events – or half Ironman races – since 2019. These two triathlons are characterised by their phenomenal distances. The full Ironman consists of a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycle and a 42 km run. As for the half Ironman, as its name suggests, the distances are halved. These events attract athletes from a wide range of European countries and enjoy a worldwide reputation.
Les Sables d’Olonne Ironman: one of the few full-distance events in France and a hugely popular half-distance race
Unprecedented enthusiasm
Every new Ironman 70.3 held in Les Sables d’Olonne attracts more and more athletes. Registration slots consistently fill up at breakneck speed. For example, the 2026 event reached 87 per cent capacity in just four days! The Half Ironman in the town of the Vendée Globe is recognised by participants as one of the best in the world. From the very first event, the satisfaction rate stood at 99.7 per cent – a true record. This is one of the reasons why, for the time being, the 2025 full Ironman is a one-off event and there are no plans for it to become an annual fixture. Furthermore, organising a full-length event is more demanding, as the distances involved mean that more roads need to be closed, different areas are occupied for a longer period, and a significant number of additional volunteers must be mobilised to ensure the smooth running of the competition in terms of organisation and emergency services. Furthermore, it is clear that the Ironman 70.3 is more accessible to amateur triathletes, who make up the vast majority of competitors: in 2024, there were around 3,200 amateur entrants compared with just over 80 professionals. That same year, competitors from 50 different nationalities took part. In the full Ironman, as many as 61 nationalities were represented. This illustrates the event’s international reputation.
An Ironman event also attracts huge crowds of spectators who come to soak up the excitement of the moment and enjoy the entertainment organised for the occasion. Notably, at the most recent event, an IRONMAN Village was set up with stands introducing visitors to the world of Ironman. On display were new products, sports equipment brands, nutrition products and triathlon accessories. There were also pop-up shops selling souvenirs and kit. At the Palais des Congrès des Atlantes, the public could watch a screening of “IRONMAN History”, which traces the history of this extraordinary challenge. Finally, all along the route and at each stage, supporters gather to cheer on these extreme athletes.
Why come and watch the Les Sables d’Olonne Ironman?
There are currently no plans for the seaside resort to host a full Ironman again. Whilst we wait for a possible return, come and enjoy the upcoming editions of the Ironman 70.3! You’ll witness an unrivalled start to the Ironman as you watch the competitors swim up the famous channel used by the Vendée Globe yachts. Alternatively, you can choose to watch them cycle at full speed as they criss-cross the roads and pass through the villages along the route. Finally, you’ll have the chance to watch them push themselves to the limit and give it their all as they run to complete the final discipline. Crossing the finish line is always an incredibly emotional moment. Sharing in the finishers’ elation is a truly intense experience. They trickle in one by one, given the distances they’ve covered. What’s wonderful is that, whatever the time of day, the crowds turn out to cheer on and applaud these champions.
As a competitor, you’ll have realised that taking part in the Les Sables d’Olonne Ironman is an experience like no other, particularly thanks to its setting and the Vendée atmosphere. Another significant factor is that a number of qualifying places for the World Championships are up for grabs. And to top it all off, in 2022, the Ironman 70.3 was voted the second-best race in the world!
Choosing the right accommodation for an unforgettable stay
As you will have realised, the town welcomes a large number of visitors and athletes during this event. Naturally, anyone not living in the area will need somewhere to stay. It is therefore strongly recommended that you plan ahead and book a Clévacances-certified holiday cottage or guesthouse well in advance to ensure you secure the accommodation that best meets your expectations, making the experience even more magical. The dates for these spectacular triathlons are announced almost a year in advance, giving you plenty of time to make arrangements.
Make the most of this opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The day before the race, you’ll have time to stroll through the various neighbourhoods of this seaside town and enjoy La Chaume, Île Penotte, Tanchet, or even the seafront promenade and the Grande Plage. A walk through the salt marshes at Saint Jean d’Orbestier or even a trip to Saint Gilles Croix de Vie are sure to enhance your stay in the Vendée.
The Les Sables d’Olonne Ironman, whether the full distance or the 70.3 version, has been a must-see event in the area for the past seven years. Don’t miss the next edition – start planning your experience now. Ensure a comfortable stay with a selection of Clévacances holiday rentals and guesthouses. Every year, thousands of amateur and hundreds of professional triathletes achieve colossal sporting feats, and we witness simply incredible displays of pushing one’s limits! Whether you’re taking part or watching, it’s a memorable experience no matter what. Visit their website to find out more: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-les-sables-dolonne
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