About this event
What to expect
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns is situated at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and boasts a stunning backdrop that will take your breath away.
Over the last 11 years, it has become known as the Race in Paradise, boasting an experience that extends past the race day excitement. Hosted in Tropical North Queensland athletes and their support crew have easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the tropical island surrounds.
With arguably the most spectacular bike course in the world, competitors race up the Captain Cook Highway hugging the coastline from Cairns to Port Douglas. From reef to World Heritage-listed rainforest, and a run along the stunning Cairns boardwalk, the race finishes in the heart of the city. This race has become a 'must-do' on the IRONMAN circuit, and there is every reason to believe the hype.
The 2026 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns will have qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.