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Ironman des Sables d'Olonne: one of France's few fulls and a popular half
20 years after the full Ironman France was based in Nice, it took place in Les Sables d'Olonne. The town hosted this extreme race for the 1st time in 2025 after having hosted several Ironman 70.3, or half Ironman, events since 2019. This version will return in 2026. These 2 triathlons are characterised by their phenomenal lengths. The full is a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run. As for the Half Ironman, as the name suggests, the distances are halved. These events attract athletes from a host of European countries and have a worldwide reputation.
Ironman des Sables d'Olonne: one of the few full houses in France and a half plebiscite
An unprecedented craze
Each new Ironman 70.3 held in Les Sables d'Olonne attracts more and more athletes. Registrations are systematically completed at breakneck speed. For example, the 2026 event reached 87% capacity in just 4 days! The Ironman half in the city of the Vendée Globe is recognised as one of the best in the world by participants. Right from the first session, the satisfaction rate recorded was 99.7%, a real 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 event. What's more, staging a full event is more demanding because the distances are such that more roads have to be blocked off, different territories are occupied for longer periods and a significant number of additional volunteers have to be mobilised to ensure that the competition runs smoothly in terms of organisation and rescue. Ironman 70.3 is also more accessible to amateur triathletes, who make up the vast majority of competitors: in 2024, there were around 3,200 entries compared with just over 80 professionals. That same year, 50 different nationalities competed. During the full Ironman, 61 nationalities were represented. Organising an Ironman also attracts a huge number of spectators who come to enjoy the excitement of the event and the entertainment put on for the occasion. At the last event, from Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June, an IRONMAN Village was held, with stands presenting the world of Ironman to visitors. New products, sports equipment, nutrition and triathlon accessories were all on display. There were also short-lived souvenir and equipment shops. At the Palais des Congrès des Atlantes, the public had access to a screening of "IRONMAN History", retracing the history of this extraordinary challenge. Finally, all along the route, supporters gathered to cheer on these extreme athletes.
Why come to the Ironman des Sables d'Olonne?
There are currently no plans for the seaside town to host a full Ironman again. While we wait for a possible return, come and enjoy the next editions of the Ironman 70.3! You'll be able to witness an incomparable start to the Ironman as you watch the participants swim back up the famous channel used by the Vendée Globe boats. Alternatively, you can watch them pedal at top speed along the roads and through the villages along the way. Finally, you'll have the chance to watch them outdo themselves and give it their all as they race to complete the final discipline. Crossing the line is always an emotional moment. Sharing in the finisher's exhilaration is truly intense. They arrive in dribs and drabs, given the distances covered. The great thing is that whatever the time of day, the crowds are there to encourage and cheer on these champions.
As a competitor, you'll have realised that taking part in the Ironman des Sables d'Olonne is an experience like no other, thanks in particular to its setting and the atmosphere in the Vendée. Another important factor is that a number of qualifying places for the world championships are on offer. And to make matters worse, in 2022, Ironman 70.3 was voted the second best race in the world!
Selecting the right accommodation for an unforgettable stay
As you will have realised, during this event the city receives a large number of visitors and athletes. Obviously all those not living in the area need to be accommodated. So it's highly advisable to plan ahead and book a Clévacances-labelled gîte or chambre d'hôte well in advance to make sure you have the accommodation that best suits your needs and makes the experience all the more magical. The dates on which these huge triathlons are held are revealed almost a year in advance, so it's easy to get organised.
The Ironman des Sables d'Olonne, whether in its entirety or in its 70.3 version, has been a not-to-be-missed event here for 7 years now. Don't miss the next vintage and plan your experience now. Guarantee yourself a comfortable stay with a selection of Clévacances accommodation. Thousands of amateur triathletes and hundreds of professional triathletes perform colossal sporting feats every year, and the challenges they face are simply incredible! Whether you're a participant or a spectator, you'll never forget the experience. Visit their website to find out more: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-les-sables-dolonne
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