Jacksonville is about to make history. On May 16, 2026, the city will host its first-ever Ironman triathlon, joining Panama City Beach and Haines City as Florida's newest endurance race destinations. This debut event promises to bring thousands of athletes and spectators to the Sunshine State for a true test of human grit.

For those new to the sport, the Ironman is no ordinary race. Conceived by Judy and John Collins in Hawaii back in 1978, the original event featured just 15 brave competitors. Today, the Ironman series—including its half-distance sibling, the Ironman 70.3—spans more than 50 countries and is widely regarded as one of the toughest single-day endurance challenges on the planet.

So, what does it take to finish? A full Ironman covers 140.6 miles: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, all completed back-to-back in one day. Athletes have up to 17 hours to cross the finish line. The half-distance Ironman 70.3, meanwhile, involves a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run, with an 8-hour-and-30-minute cutoff.

Florida's 2026 Ironman lineup is as follows:

• IRONMAN Jacksonville – Saturday, May 16 (debut race)
• IRONMAN Florida (Panama City Beach) – Saturday, November 7
• IRONMAN 70.3 Florida (Haines City) – Sunday, December 13

Jacksonville's inaugural race will kick off with a 7:30 a.m. swim in the St. Johns River at Metropolitan Park. From there, competitors will tackle a 112-mile bike course before finishing with a 26.2-mile run through downtown Jacksonville and the historic Riverside neighborhood. It's a full-on athlete takeover of North Florida, with the city buzzing for up to 17 hours as racers push their limits.

Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a first-time spectator, Florida's Ironman events offer an unforgettable experience. And for those inspired to gear up, there's no better time to invest in performance apparel built for the long haul.