In just under two weeks, nearly 2,000 athletes, including a stacked pro field, will descend on Nelson Mandela Bay to compete in 19th edition of ISUZU IRONMAN® African Championship and the third edition of ISUZU IRONMAN® 70.3® Nelson Mandela Bay.

The pro field includes four local South African pros and 10-time IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, Daniela Ryf (CHE), who is racing as one of her final 8 races around the world as part of her retirement tour.

Having won the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay in 2018, and the ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship in 2017, she is no stranger to racing in the Eastern Cape.

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Strong woman’s field

Daniela Bleymehl (DEU) will also be toeing the line in the women’s field. As the 2022 IRONMAN African Champion, Daniela will be looking to reclaim her crown after missing the 2023 edition when compatriot, Laura Philipp, took the win.

Also racing in the women’s field will be South African Magda Nieuwoudt, who came seventh last year and third in 2022, as well as Susie Cheetham (GBR), Marta Sanchez (ESP), Laura Zimmerman (DEU) and more.

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New champion awaits

In the men’s field, the absence of the 2023 IRONMAN African Champion, Clement Mignon (FRA) means that a new champion will be crowned.

Matt Trautman (ZAF), who came tenth last year, and 3rd in the 2022 edition of ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship will undoubtedly be looking for a win on home soil.

Also familiar with racing on the Eastern Cape is Mathias Petersen (DEN) and Rasmus Svenningsson (SWE) who came third and fourth respectively last year.

Cameron Wurf, who comes fresh off a podium finish at his home race, IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania in February, will also be looking to cause upset, especially on the rolling bike course where he clocked the fastest bike split last year.

Also registered to race in the men’s field is two-time Olympian, Alistair Brownlee (GBR), Bart Aernouts (BEL), Arthur Horseau (FRA) Joshua Amberger (AUS), Krisian Hogenhaug (DEN) and many more.

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More than just bragging rights

The athletes will be racing for the title of IRONMAN African Champion, one of four slots (per gender) to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship and a piece of the $150,000 prize money. ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay takes place on the same day and is age-grouper only.

Spectators looking to catch a glimpse of the pros in action have many options on the courses. They can head to Grass Roof for a great viewing spot of the bike course, which is accessible via link road, or take to the bustling Marine Drive which will be lined with support for the athletes.

Beachfront restaurants like “Hello it’s Me”, “The Veranda” & “Barney’s” also have a great view of the course and are very close to the Finish Line. There will also be plenty of food, coffee and ice cream trucks available in the public area alongside the finish line for spectators as well as a public bar.