What is the full Ironman triathlon in Les Sables d'Olonne?
It's in the Vendée, and more specifically in Les Sables d'Olonne, that the full Ironman triathlon will be held for the 1st time in 2025 after the "Half Ironman" editions. This extraordinary race is an Ironman with 226 kilometres to cover. Trust us, that's enough to put the best athletes among you to the test!
The Les Sables d'Olonne full Ironman triathlon: an emotional course
The official start of the race is given on the beach in Les Sables d'Olonne opposite the Atlantes. The athletes take to the water for a 3.8 kilometre swim in the legendary Vendée Globe channel. An exceptional place! To the applause of the spectators, you saddle up for 180 kilometres of cycling, between the marshes and the Olonnais forest. A few climbs and descents later, it's time for the home straight: the 42-kilometre run! From the famous Remblai des Sables d'Olonne to the Grande Plage, it's also time to take advantage of the sea spray to cool off.
Mark your calendars!
Have you decided to take part in the next Ironman full triathlon in Les Sables d'Olonne? Make a note of the date: it will take place on Sunday 22 June 2025!
good reasons to take part in the Les Sables d'Olonne full Ironman triathlon
- To take part in a race recognised as the second best in the world in 2022.
- To try and qualify for the Ironman World Championships.
- To enjoy the exceptional natural surroundings of Les Sables d'Olonne.
- To push your limits at a major sporting event in the Vendée.
- For the adrenalin rush of crossing the finish line to the applause of your supporters.
Frequently asked questions about the Les Sables d'Olonne full Ironman triathlon
Where is Les Sables d'Olonne?
The town of Les Sables d'Olonne is located on the Atlantic coast of France, in the Vendée département, in the Pays de la Loire region.
What sports are included in a triathlon?
In a semi-triathlon or triathlon, the different sports are swimming, cycling and running.
What are the different distances in a triathlon?
The courses and distances of a triathlon vary according to the type of race involved. For a Sprint triathlon, the distances are 750 metres of swimming, 20 kilometres of cycling and 5 kilometres of running. For the Olympic, the distances are 1.5 kilometres of swimming, 40 kilometres of cycling and 10 kilometres of running. Finally, the Full Ironman is for the most hardened athletes! They will have to swim 3.8 kilometres, cycle 180 kilometres and run 42.2 kilometres. The Half Ironman, meanwhile, represents half of all these distances, i.e. 1.9 kilometres of swimming, 90 kilometres of cycling and 21.1 kilometres of running.