Thun, Switzerland 5 JULY 2026
Source: https://www.ironman.com/im-switzerland
The schedule and program details for the 2026 IRONMAN Switzerland Thun (scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026):
Race Day Schedule Overview (Sunday, July 5, 2026)
While the minute-by-minute schedule is subject to final adjustments closer to the race, long-distance IRONMAN events generally follow this timeline:
- 05:00 AM – 06:15 AM: Transition Area open (final bike checks, nutrition setup)
- 06:30 AM: Pro Athlete Race Start
- 06:40 AM onwards: Age Group Rolling Start (athletes enter the water in waves)
- 11:00 PM (approx.): Final race cut-off time (17-hour total time limit)
The Course Program
The race follows the classic, scenic, yet challenging long-distance format:
- Swim (3.8 km / 2.4 miles): A single-loop, counter-clockwise swim starting from the renovated Thun Lido (Strandbad). Athletes swim through the pristine waters of Lake Thun, showcasing stunning views of the surrounding Alps, before exiting near the marina into transition.
- Bike (180.2 km / 112 miles): A demanding two-loop course featuring roughly 2,200 meters of elevation gain. It heads toward Spiez, turns into the picturesque Gürbe Valley, passes close to the Bern Airport, loops through the hilly Gantrisch area, and features a fast descent back to Thun.
- Run (42.2 km / 26.2 miles): A three-loop marathon along the beautiful lakeshore. The course takes runners into the historic Old Town of Thun, passes Schadau Castle, crosses the River Aare, and follows paths shared with the Thun City Run before finishing amidst massive spectator crowds.
Side Events & Race Week Program
Typically, the event features a multi-day program leading up to race day:
- Friday & Saturday: Athlete registration, Mandatory Bike Check-in, and the IRONMAN Expo.
- Friday/Saturday Event: Ironkids Switzerland – A fun side-race held for younger athletes and children.
- Monday: Awards Ceremony and Slot Allocation for the IRONMAN World Championships.
