Track record, sixth direct German win and Austrians on the podium: this was IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2026 30.08.2026

Excitement and top-level sport in excellent weather conditions: The 14th IRONMAN 70.3 in Zell am See-Kaprun on 30 August 2026 was a resounding success in front of thousands of spectators. Lisa Perterer from Carinthia and Tjebbe Kaindls from Tyrol secured the Austrian podium finishes. Lasse Nygaard Priester and Laura Philipp – both from Germany – emerged as the triumphant winners, with Priester setting a new track record. Throughout the entire weekend, Zell am See-Kaprun was gripped by triathlon fever. 2,500 athletes from 58 nations competed in the demanding disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running for the title and prize money of the Pro Series. 

A 1.9 km swim in Lake Zell, a 90 km bike ride through Zell am See, Bruck, Taxenbach, Dienten am Hochkönig, Maria Alm, Maishofen, Piesendorf, and Kaprun back to Zell am See, and a 21.1 km run along the lake promenade in Zell am See: once again, the international triathlon scene turned its attention to Zell am See-Kaprun in SalzburgerLand. 2,500 athletes from around the world competed for the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 title. As part of the Pro Series, an exclusive series with a points-based ranking system for professional athletes, 80 professionals were at the starting line, vying for the overall title and the attractive prize money. The Pro Series comprises 16 races throughout the year – including eight IRONMAN 70.3 events – in nine countries, as well as the official World Championships. This year's competition in Zell am See-Kaprun sold out completely within 7 days – an impressive sign of the exceptional quality and popularity of the venue. 

Exciting race and new track record

In the men's race, local favourite Tjebbe Kaindl initially sparked jubilation: The Austrian took the lead in Lake Zell and emerged from the water first after 23:07 minutes. Defending champion Fabian Kraft followed just six seconds later in third place, while eventual winner Lasse Nygaard Priester and two-time IRONMAN 70.3 world champion Jelle Geens were also in the crowded leading group. Geens and Nygaard eventually reached the second transition area as the leading duo.

The race was decided early on the course: Priester set a blistering pace from the start and quickly pulled away from Geens. After a half-marathon in 1:10:58, the German crossed the finish line in a total time of 3:43:29 as the triumphant winner. This marked the sixth consecutive German victory in the men's race and beat the track record set last year by Fabian Kraft by a good minute. Geens defended his second place, finishing 2:30 minutes behind in 3:45:59. Tjebbe Kaindl sparked great jubilation among the home fans: The Austrian completed the men's podium in third place with a time of 3:48:22.

The women's professional race also began with great excitement. Dutch swimmer Rani Škrabanja led the field out of Lake Zell after 26:28 minutes. The top German favourite, Laura Philipp, exited the water just nine seconds behind the leader.

On the bike course, Perterer and Philipp quickly pulled away from the competition. The two athletes took turns in the lead and engaged in a thrilling duel on the climb to the Filzensattel pass. Perterer wasn't even deterred by a dropped chain, catching up with Philipp again and even taking a narrow lead at the highest point of the course. A two-minute penalty imposed earlier, which Perterer had to serve at kilometre 63, ultimately proved decisive.

On the final run, the German athlete steadily extended her lead and, after 4:13:22 hours, celebrated her fourth victory at the IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun with great joy. Local favourite Lisa Perterer secured an excellent second place, just as she had the previous year. India Lee from Great Britain completed the women's podium. For Lee, it was also her first podium finish in an IRONMAN Pro Series race.

As the final regular season race of the IRONMAN Pro Series, IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun offered crucial points for the overall standings. The overall victory will be decided at the upcoming World Championships, where a particularly large number of points will be awarded.

Acion, emotions and goosebump moments away from the main competition

IRONMAN 70.3 is considered one of the region's top events and is complemented by an attractive supporting programme and sports competitions: The completely sold-out Night Run Austria once again kicked off the big triathlon weekend on Friday, 28 August, with 500 runners completing the 4.2-kilometre course. Afterwards, the Ö3 disco in the town square created a fantastic atmosphere. On Saturday, 29 August, the youngest participants took centre stage: At IRONKIDS, hundreds of children between the ages of 6 and 15 demonstrated their skills in an aquathlon (swimming and running) (6 to 9 years of age: 50 metres swimming and 800 metres running, 10 to 13 years of age: 100 metres swimming and 1,300 metres running, 14 to 15 years of age: 100 metres swimming and 2,300 metres running). In addition, all the latest product innovations in triathlon awaited participants and visitors alike throughout the entire weekend at the IRONMAN Expo with IRONMAN Village.

IRONMAN 70.3 will remain a fixture on the tourism region's event calendar until 2029. The date for the 15th edition has already been set: 29 August 2027. Registration opens on 10 September 2026.

All results of IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2026: Results 2026

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Press contact for further information j.klammer@zellamsee-kaprun.com