NELSON MANDELA BAY DELIVERS INCIDENT FREE OPENING DAY, REINFORCES STATUS AS A WORLD CLASS SPORTING DESTINATION
Published: April 18, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality confirms that the opening day of the ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship, held on Saturday, 18 April 2026 at Hobie Beach, was executed successfully and without incident, with all scheduled races delivered safely through integrated planning, strong inter agency coordination and world class event management standards.
The day featured the ISUZU 5150 Triathlon, the ISUZU Corporate Triathlon Challenge powered by Algoa FM, and the IRONKIDS race, each attracting strong participation and vibrant spectator support. These events activated the city’s coastline and urban routes, once again showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay’s capability to host globally competitive endurance events.
Beyond the racecourse, the event continues to deliver significant economic and destination marketing value. Current indicators show that the event generates over R87 million into the local economy within a single race cycle, with more than 20,787 verified overnight stays recorded. Visitors spend an average of R2,500 per day, directly supporting SMMEs, hospitality businesses and township economies. The IRONMAN Nelson Mandela Bay route is also ranked among the top four run courses globally and number two in the EMEA region, further affirming the city’s global competitiveness.
Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, said, "Nelson Mandela Bay is not just hosting an event, we are demonstrating a proven, high impact model of how sport drives economic growth, tourism and global positioning. Today’s incident free delivery reflects our readiness, our capability and our commitment to excellence. We are proud to be Africa’s home of IRONMAN and a destination of choice for world class events.”
The Municipality extends its appreciation to residents who came out in numbers to support athletes, as well as to volunteers, traders, event organisers, safety and security personnel, emergency services, media partners and all stakeholders whose collective effort ensured a seamless experience. Special recognition is given to all athletes who competed today, embodying resilience, discipline and the true spirit of endurance sport.
MAIN EVENT PROGRAMME, SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2026, HOBIE BEACH
05:00 to 06:15, IRONMAN Transition Opens and Bike Maintenance
06:45, IRONMAN PRO Men Race Start
06:50, IRONMAN PRO Women Race Start
06:55, IRONMAN Rolling Age Group Start
07:30, First PRO athlete expected out of the water
11:55, First PRO male expected to start the run
12:00 to 22:00, IRONMAN Merchandise for sale, Boardwalk Grass Lawns
14:35, First PRO male expected to finish
18:00 to 24:00, Bike and Gear Check out
24:00, IRONMAN African Championship concludes
As Nelson Mandela Bay hosts Africa’s only full IRONMAN, residents and media are called upon to come out in numbers tomorrow to witness and capture the main race. This is an opportunity to showcase the Friendly City to the world, our people, our energy and our unmatched hospitality.
Nelson Mandela Bay continues to position itself as a leading global destination for sport, tourism and investment.
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