IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye 2026 (Belek): Travel Guide for Athletes & Supporters

IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye is one of the biggest half-distance triathlons in Europe. Past editions have drawn well over two thousand athletes from dozens of countries, plus families and friends who come along to cheer. The race is built around Belek, Antalya’s golf and resort coast, which makes the logistics easier than most: big hotels used to athletes, a flat and fast course, and warm sea in November. This guide covers the travel side: getting there with your bike, where to stay, what supporters can do, and how to use the days after the race. We’re an Antalya-based team, so the advice is local.

IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye 2026 at a Glance

In recent editions the swim has started from the beach in the Belek tourism zone, the bike course has run inland across the flat coastal plain, and the run has finished at The Land of Legends theme park. Start times, transition locations, check-in days and bike racking can change from year to year, so the official athlete guide published by IRONMAN before race week is the only document to plan race-day logistics around. You’ll find registration, the course and the athlete guide on the official IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye race page.

Getting to Belek With Your Bike

Antalya Airport (AYT) is the airport for the race, with direct flights from most of Europe. Belek is about 30–40 minutes east of the airport along the coast road. The one thing that makes a triathlon trip different is the bike box.

• Standard taxis are metered and wait at the airport ranks, but a yellow saloon car often can’t take a bike box plus suitcases. Two athletes with two boxes almost always need a minivan.
• Hotel or race-package shuttles are worth checking first if you booked a package; ask whether bike boxes are included and how many fit.
• A pre-booked private transfer lets you state the number and size of your bike boxes and suitcases up front, so the right vehicle turns up and you’re not negotiating at the kerb after a flight.
• Public transport to Belek isn’t a realistic option with a bike box.

Our Antalya Airport to Belek transfer guide compares every option in more detail.

🚐 Ask for Club & Team Transport ›

Where to Stay for IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye

Belek is the obvious base: you’re close to the race venues and many resorts are used to athletes (early breakfasts, bike storage, late check-out on request). Belek stretches for several kilometres, though, and not every hotel is within walking distance of the start, so depending on your hotel’s distance from the start, you may still need race-morning transport. Ask your hotel in writing about secure bike storage and race-day breakfast times before you book. Early November is the tail end of the season, so check the hotel is fully open on your dates. See our best hotels in Belek guide.

Kadriye, on the western side of Belek, has more mid-range hotels. Lara and Kundu are 25–35 minutes away and work for supporters, but mean an early drive on race morning with road closures around the course. Staying in the city or Kaleiçi puts you too far from the start for comfort.

A busy month: the UCI Gran Fondo World Series cycling event runs in Belek from 5 to 8 November, and COP31 starts in Antalya on 9 November. Hotels and transfers along this coast will be in much higher demand than a normal November, so book early. See our Gran Fondo travel guide and the full Antalya events calendar.

Race Week Tips From a Local

• Weather: early November is usually warm and sunny in the afternoon, but mornings can be cool and the first autumn storms sometimes arrive. A single heavy shower can make roads slippery for an hour or two. See Antalya in November.
• Sea: the water is still warm at around 21–22°C, but a southerly wind can make the swim choppy. Get in for a practice swim at the same time of day as the start.
• Bike shops and spares: Belek hotels can point you to local mechanics, but bring your own spare tubes, CO2 and any specialist parts. Antalya city has more choice than Belek.
• Road closures: expect closures around Belek on race day. Supporters should plan to walk between viewing points rather than drive.
• Mobile data: set up an eSIM before you fly so tracking apps work from the moment you land. See our eSIM guide for Turkey.

What Supporters Can Do in Belek

Race day itself is a long day of cheering, and the out-and-back sections let supporters see their athlete more than once. The days before the race, while athletes rest, check in and do their short sessions, are free for everyone else:

• Aspendos, the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Mediterranean, is only around 20–25 minutes from Belek. See our Aspendos guide.
• The Land of Legends has a shopping avenue, restaurants and evening shows; the theme-park rides are seasonal, so check what’s running. See our Land of Legends guide.
• Side, with its Temple of Apollo on the sea, is a relaxed half day about 40 minutes east. See our Side guide.
• Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town, is about 45 minutes away and makes a great evening out. See our Kaleiçi walking guide and things to do in Belek.

After the Race: Recovery Days

If you can, keep a day or two after the race. Legs that have just done 113 km don’t want a long coach tour, so think short and easy: a morning at Aspendos and Perge with a car waiting, a slow afternoon in Side, a hamam for tired muscles, or dinner by the old harbour in Kaleiçi. Outdoor activities such as rafting and jeep safaris may still run in early November, but availability varies by operator and weather, so check your exact dates. Ancient sites, the old town and the sea are at their best this time of year. Our hamam guide lists the best places to recover.

Prefer a shared group tour for supporters? Antalya operators list ancient-site day tours with Belek hotel pickup:

Frequently Asked Questions

When is IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye 2026?
The race is on Sunday 1 November 2026 in Belek, Antalya. Check-in, bike racking and the athlete briefing take place in the days before; the official athlete guide gives the exact schedule.

How far is Belek from Antalya Airport?
About 30–40 minutes by road along the coast, depending on which hotel you’re staying at and the time of day.

How do I get my bike box from Antalya Airport to Belek?
Book a transfer in a minivan or larger vehicle and state the number and size of your bike boxes plus your suitcases in advance; a standard taxi often can’t fit a bike box plus luggage. We arrange bike-box transfers with our TÜRSAB-licensed partner Sun Global Turizm (licence no. 11308); send your details on WhatsApp for a fixed written quote.

What is the water temperature for the swim?
Usually around 21–22°C in early November. Wetsuit rules are decided by the race organisers on the day based on the measured water temperature.

Is the IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye course flat?
Yes, mostly. The 90 km bike course has only around 115 m of climbing and the 21.1 km run is flat, which is why the race has a reputation as a fast course when the wind is light.

Where should I stay for the race?
Belek is the best base, close to the race venues and full of resorts used to athletes. Kadriye is a slightly cheaper alternative nearby. Lara works for supporters but means an early drive on race morning.

What can supporters do in Belek?
Visit Aspendos (around 20–25 minutes away), Side, The Land of Legends and Antalya’s old town Kaleiçi, or relax in a hamam. Book a car with driver if you want to go at your own pace.

Race date and distances checked on 7 October 2026 against published race listings. This is an independent travel guide; Antalya Experiences is not affiliated with IRONMAN. Always follow the official athlete guide for race-day times, transitions and rules.

Page last updated: October 2026