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IRONMAN Returns to Japan in 2024 With IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido

December 15, 2023

Event to be hosted between two cities, Hokuto and Kikonai, located on southern coast of Japan’s northernmost island

TOKYO, Japan / TAMPA, Fla (15 December, 2023) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – IRONMAN has announced that a brand new event is coming to Japan, with the IRONMAN® Japan South Hokkaido triathlon joining the calendar for September 15, 2024.

The IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido race is set to be the first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon to be held in Japan since 2015, with the race taking athletes back to Hokkaido Island for a completely new destination race.

The new event is set to be held on Sunday September 15, 2024, with registrations opening at 9am Tokyo time on Tuesday December 19, 2023.

The IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido event will be held between two host cities, Hokuto and Kikonai, located on the southern coast of Japan’s northernmost island. South Hokkaido is accessible from Honshu Island via the Tsugaru Kaikyo ferry from Aomori and Oma to the port of Hakodate. Hakodate Airport is a short flight from Tokyo and several other cities in Japan, with the event destination also accessible by train from Tokyo Station in just under four hours.

Athletes will begin their day in the Bay of Hakodate, with a 3.8km swim in the strait which is famous for channel swimmers crossing between Hokkaido and Japan’s main island of Honshu.

The three-loop 180km bike leg will take athletes on the Hakodate-Esashi Expressway, with incredible views of the coastline as they head south-west to Kikonai.

The IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido race culminates with a 42.2km run along flat roads through the scenic Kikonai countryside, finishing at the Kikonai City Hall.

Once athletes have crossed the finish line they have the opportunity to take in the local hospitality, with hot springs available to unwind and some of the finest seafood and steak from South Hokkaido on offer.

Koichi Tsunashima, Race Director for the IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido event emphasized, “Embark on an unparalleled journey along the exclusive highway bike course, offering stunning vistas at every turn. Post-race, indulge in relaxation at our quaint harbor town hotels, blending the thrill of competition with serene comfort. The IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido triathlon promises a perfect harmony of challenge, beauty, and relaxation. Come, race, and unwind in an unforgettable setting – where every stroke, pedal, and stride is a step towards an extraordinary experience.”

Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, welcomed news that the IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido race is joining the global calendar in 2024.

“We’re thrilled to be returning to northern Japan for the IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido race in 2024,” said Edwards. “Japanese races have played an important role in the history of IRONMAN racing and we look forward to welcoming athletes for a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run for the first time since 2015.

“Our Japanese athletes are incredibly loyal and travel the world to take part in our events and it’s great for them to have a home race once again,” Edwards continued. “The host cities for the IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido race of Hokuto and Kikonai will be incredible hosts for this event with plenty to offer for athletes, their families, and supporters before and after the race.”

For more information on the IRONMAN Japan South Hokkaido triathlon, please visit https://www.ironman.com/im-south-hokkaido. Athlete inquiries can be directed to Japan@ironman.com. To learn more about the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 brands and global series of events, please visit www.ironman.com.

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About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series trail-running events including the Canyons Endurance Runs™ by UTMB®, Tarawera Ultra™ by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB®, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including Haute Route®, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business, and Orkila Capital, a growth equity firm focused on building great brands. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.

About Advance 

Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long-term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 17,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Warner Bros. Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com.