World Class Ironman Race

In mid-August, all of Kalmar is caught up in the triathlon fever. This is where Sweden’s only full-distance Iron man Triathlon takes place. In 2023, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary.

It all began in 1994. That was the year of the first triathlon in Kalmar, with 64 participants. Contestants have been going the full distances ever since. This means they start by swimming 3.8 kilometres through the Kalmar strait, and then bike 180 kilometres through both streets and country roads, to finally finish with a marathon footrace.

Ironman status gained

The Kalmar triathlon grew slowly during the late 1990s and early 2000s, but it was not until 2012 that things really took off. That’s when the contest earned its official Ironman status, and was made part of the international brand. Now, triathletes worldwide were made aware of the competition, and it also became one of the qualifying events for the world championships held in Hawaii.

Solid crowd support

The first year the Kalmar contest was held as an official Ironman event, it drew 1 600 participants from all around the world. They appreciated the swift Kalmar course, the close contact with the crowd, and the friendly atmosphere. The heartfelt support from the crowd was probably what made the greatest impression. Along the entire course, both locals and visitors gather to cheer the racing heroes on as they go by. The festive mood peaks at the finish line in the main square, Stortorget.

Several side events

Kalmar residents are proud of their Ironman and enjoy participating – either as spectators or volunteers, or as contestants. Over the last few years, the event has continued to grow, and currently, about 3 000 people from over 50 nations around the world can usually be found on the participants’ list. Several side events have also developed meanwhile. The same week, the short-distance race known as the 4:18:4 Kalmar is held along with the Ironkids footrace, where every participating child is a winner, and get to cross the same finish line as the Ironman triathletes themselves.

Award-winning

It is evident that the contest is a favourite among the participants, not least during the annual Athletes’ Choice Awards. That’s when the best Ironman races are chosen, within several categories. Race participants complete worldwide surveys to select the winning events. Ironman Kalmar tends to score very high, and for several years in a row has been declared the one that most participants would recommend to their friends, out of all the 42 Ironman events held worldwide. No award could be worth more.

Due to the pandemic, Ironman Kalmar had to be cancelled for 2020 and 2021 but returned in 2022. In 2023, the event celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The next event will take place on August the 17th, 2024.

recognized globally in the 2023 Athletes’ Choice Awards

Ironman Kalmar was recognized globally in the 2023 Athletes’ Choice Awards. Ironman Kalmar earned Top Honors in two categories, Will Recommend To A Friend and Best Run.

• Ironman Kalmar Sweden External link.
• 4:18:4 Kalmar