Participants from over 57 countries have thronged Goa for the marquee IRONMAN 70.3 Goa; The race in 2025 expects larger foreign participation after rave reviews following the success of fourth edition
Panjim, 08 January 2025: With the registrations now open for the
5th edition of India's marquee endurance event IRONMAN 70.3 Goa to be held
in November 2025, global participants are already gearing up to return to
India’s most famous beach destination, which has fast emerged as a popular
triathlon destination in Southeast Asia. While the conditions in Goa offer
favourable race experience for the participants from overseas, it is the Goan
vibe, the blend of Indo-Portuguese culture, serene beaches, calm waters and
scenic routes for cycling that offers a great family outing for the
participants.
For
Cedric, an architect from Normandy in France, who participated in the fourth
edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, the experience was one to cherish for a lifetime.
He said, “I am a regular participant in Ironman events and have participated in
races all over Europe. We were visiting India in October 2024 to meet friends
in Assam, but when I found out that IRONMAN 70.3 was being held in Goa, I
decided to make some changes to my itinerary and landed in Goa.”
“We
arrived in Goa almost 6-7 days before the race day. We came there after
spending a few days in Jaipur and stayed in South Goa. It was extremely
relaxing, the beaches, and the old-world charm was simply amazing. I also got
to acclimatize to the humid conditions before the race,” Cedric explained.
Cedric
(50) travelled to Goa with his wife Gaelle Bontemps (49) along with his two
daughters, who were excited to participated in the IRONKIDS challenge that is
held on the eve of the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa race day. “It was a cherry on the cake
as the girls got to participate in IRONKIDS and they have been bragging about
it to their friends here in Normandy. In all, it was an incredible experience
for the entire family and we would love to come back to Goa next year,” added
Gaelle.
Government of Goa's unparalleled support aides
Sports Tourism
Like
Cedric and his family, Javier from Spain expressed that IRONMAN 70.3 Goa was
one of the best races he has ever participated in. “I have participated in
eight IRONMAN races across Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Malaysia among
others. I loved participating in Goa. When I was participating in Malaysia last
year, I was told about the India race being quite challenging and has great
race vibe so I was very keen on experiencing Goa.”
“I was in
Goa for over a week before the race and enjoyed the temples, churches, the
beaches. I absolutely loved it. The bike routes took me through some very
scenic locale when I was training.”
Javier
further emphasized that triathletes across the globe must experience Goa at
least once in their lifetime. “I would recommend triathletes worldwide to
participate in IRONMAN Goa.”
Extending
his unparalleled support to the IRONMAN 70.3 event, Rohan Khaunte, Hon.
Minister of Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “Goa has always been a
beloved destination for beach lovers and holiday-goers, but it is so much more
than its stunning coastline. Embracing the ethos of Goa Beyond Beaches, the
state has rapidly emerged as a hub for sports tourism, hosting prestigious
global events like IRONMAN 70.3 Goa. Since its debut in 2019, this triathlon
has attracted participants from over 57 countries, offering not just a
competitive platform but also an immersive experience of Goa’s rich culture,
delectable cuisine, and serene natural beauty."
Talking
about the upcoming edition, Deepak Raj, founder and CEO of Yoska – the pioneers
of triathlon events in India said, “We are elated with the response we got
for the fourth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa and are overwhelmed by the support
we get from the Government of Goa in organizing this global event. IRONMAN 70.3
Goa has grown in popularity and participation over the years."
"Having
competed in IRONMAN races across the world, I truly believe Goa is on-par with
global destinations on race standards. IRONMAN races have specific demands in
terms of infrastructure and Goa is ideal with good cycling routes, calm and
serene waters and beautiful long-roads for the run. Most participants
come along with their family or friends and spend time in Goa before and after
the race to unwind and relax. For the fifth edition, we are expecting a larger
influx of foreign participants while from India alone entries are expected to
come from more than 120 cities," Deepak concluded.
The fifth
edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa is scheduled to be held on 9th November 2025.