Ironman announced today the addition of a new licensed race in Central America with Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica. The inaugural event will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, located on the Pacific Coast.

"With its beautiful natural landscape and indigenous flora and fauna, Costa Rica is the ideal place to host an Ironman 70.3 race,” said Wilber Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Miami Tri Events and Colombia Tri Events and licensee of this new race. "We are confident that this event will become a classic as participants cross the finish line in a stunning location that will let them know their effort was worthwhile.”

The Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica triathlon begins with a 1.9 km (1.2 mile) one-loop swim in the calm, crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. The 90 km (56 mile) two-loop bike course will take athletes through the region’s lush vegetation, with views of monkeys and iguanas, while being cheered by spectators through the towns of Sardinal and San Blas. The 21 km (13.1 mile) run course takes place between palm trees with an ocean view and brings athletes to the finish line in breathtaking Playa del Coco, Guanacaste.

"It is a great honor to welcome athletes and their families from around the world to our country,” said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy the race with thousands of supporting spectators.”

"Costa Rica’s lavish rainforests, beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean and endless biodiversity make it the perfect destination race,” expressed Edwin Vargas, Vice President of Colombia Tri Events. "Athletes will arrive to a country that values ecotourism with such energy, they will feel the appreciation for nature, local society and culture immediately.”

Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica is one of more than 90 events in the global Ironman 70.3 series. The event will award a $15,000 USD professional prize purse and 35 age-group qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which will take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States.

General registration for Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at www.ironman.com/costarica70.3. Athlete inquires may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..