Ironman today announced an exciting addition to its 2025 calendar as Leeds becomes the newest full-distance Ironman host city in the UK. The IM Leeds triathlon will take place on 27 July 2025 with general registration opening on 26 September.
Leeds, located in the north of England, in the county of Yorkshire, is one of the UK’s biggest cities, with a large student population thanks to its five universities. The vibrant and lively city is best known for its luxury shopping, thriving nightlife, award winning theatres, renowned museums.
As a sports-mad city, Leeds is known for Leeds United FC, Leeds Rhinos, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and for triathlon fans, being the birthplace of Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. The city boasts state-of-the-art training facilities including The Brownlee Centre, the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training centre, and the home of Leeds Triathlon Centre. Well known for hosting large scale sporting events, Leeds is also home to the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and multiple other half marathons and road races including Leeds Abbey Dash which has been going for 38 years. The wider Yorkshire region has also hosted major cycling events including the Tour de France Grand Depart.
Leeds will build on the strong history of the IM Series in the UK becoming the fourth English host destination of the iconic triathlon after Bolton, Sherborne and Weymouth. The UK has a strong tradition of triathlon with the successes of the likes of the Brownlee brothers, reigning Ironman World Champion, Lucy Charles-Barclay, former IM World Champion and Hall of Famer, Chrissie Wellington and most recently gold medal winner from Paris, Alex Yee.
Athletes will begin their IM triathlon journey in Roundhay Park, a 700-acre urban park, just three miles away from Leeds City Centre. They will take on a 2.4-mile (3.8km) lake swim in the same venue that World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds took place.
They will then embark on a 112-mile (180km) bike course up into the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. Athletes will cycle the same paths as the famous 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart route, with approximately 2500m elevation gain. Finally, athletes will take on a 26.2-mile (42.2km) run on multi-lap course around Roundhay Park and scenic surrounding areas, before reaching the finish line.
