A triathlon on a resort coastline
Belek is built for long holidays. Along the coast, a strip of large resort hotels backs onto the sand, with golf fairways and pine woods behind it. In early November 2026 the town hosts Ironman 70.3 Turkey, part of the global Ironman 70.3 series. The field is mostly endurance athletes who have flown in from abroad.
The name is the distance: 70.3 miles in total. That breaks down into three legs:
- Swim: 1.9 km in the Mediterranean
- Bike: 90 km on the flat coastal plain inland from the beach
- Run: 21.1 km, a half marathon to finish
The timing suits a race. By November the summer heat has eased, but this stretch of coast usually stays mild. That makes it a popular late-season goal for athletes from colder countries.
Dates, registration and what “tickets” means
The race is set for early November 2026. The IRONMAN Group lists the exact race day, the athlete registration page and the venue details on ironman.com. That is also where the official athlete guide lives.
“Tickets” here means athlete entry, not spectator admission. Ironman races are run on public roads and beaches, so family and friends watch from the roadside without paying to get in. The entry fee and what it covers appear on the registration page. This guide does not quote it, because figures like that change.
Getting to Belek
Belek is about 35 km east of Antalya city and closer still to Antalya Airport (AYT). The drive from the terminal is short, so race weekend is easy to fit around a flight. AYT has direct services from much of Europe, and many athletes connect through Istanbul.
Most visitors stay in the resorts themselves, many of which are all-inclusive. Hotel shuttles and airport transfers are the usual way in. Athletes travelling with a bike generally prefer a pre-arranged transfer with room for a bike box over a regular taxi.
Race week rhythm
Triathlons start well before race day. Athletes typically arrive a few days early. That leaves time to rebuild bikes, collect race packs at registration and rack bikes in transition the day before. Many also get in a short sea swim to see how the water feels.
The Mediterranean stays fairly warm into autumn. Whether wetsuits are allowed depends on the water temperature measured close to the start, under Ironman’s standard rules. On race morning, transition opens in darkness and the swim starts soon after sunrise. The finish line is where the crowd builds as the day goes on.
Spectating along the Belek course
Watching an Ironman well means picking your spots.
- Swim start: the most dramatic moment, with waves of athletes running into the sea. Families usually gather at the beach barriers well before the gun.
- Transition: you only see your athlete for a few seconds, but it is easy to reach from the swim.
- Run course: the best value. Multi-lap run courses pass the same spot several times, so supporters set up a base and stay put.
- Finish chute: loud and crowded, and the place to meet afterwards.
The Ironman app offers live athlete tracking by bib number, and supporters use it to time their walk to each viewpoint. Handmade signs and national flags are common. So is a bright, distinctive shirt that makes you easy to spot from a moving bike.
Away from the race, Turkish lira is the local currency, and cards are widely accepted in the resorts and larger restaurants. In sit-down restaurants outside your hotel, a tip of around 10 percent is customary. A few words of Turkish go a long way: teşekkürler (thank you) and kolay gelsin, a friendly “may it come easy” said to people at work. That includes the volunteers handing out water.
Around Belek after the finish line
Plenty of athletes add rest days, and the area makes that easy. Aspendos, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere, is a short drive inland near Serik. The ancient city of Perge sits between Belek and Antalya.
For a slower day, Antalya’s old quarter, Kaleiçi, has a Roman-era harbour and Hadrian’s Gate. To the east, the town of Side combines ruins with a seafront promenade. Köprülü Canyon National Park, further inland, suits anyone whose legs can still handle a gentle walk. Belek’s golf courses keep their autumn season going around the race weekend too.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ironman 70.3 Turkey 2026?
It takes place in Belek in early November 2026. The IRONMAN Group lists the exact race day and the full race-week schedule on ironman.com.
Do spectators need tickets?
No. The race uses public roads and beaches, so supporters watch from the course without admission. The only 'tickets' are athlete entries, sold through the registration page on ironman.com.
How do I get to Belek from Antalya Airport?
Belek is a short drive east of Antalya Airport (AYT) and about 35 km from Antalya city. Most visitors use hotel shuttles or pre-arranged transfers, and athletes usually pick a vehicle with room for a bike box.
What are the race distances?
A 1.9 km swim in the Mediterranean, a 90 km bike and a 21.1 km half-marathon run. Together they add up to 70.3 miles, which is where the name comes from.
What is there to see near Belek after the race?
The Roman theatre at Aspendos and the ruins of Perge are both close. Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi, Side's ruins and seafront, and Köprülü Canyon National Park are all good day trips.
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