IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland
Swim in Lake Zurich, ride through the Swiss countryside, and run to one of triathlon's most memorable finishes.
Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen
Early June
113 km
890 m
~2,500 athletes
Race Disciplines
Course Highlights
- Lake Zurich swim with Rapperswil Castle backdrop
- Rolling Swiss countryside bike through two cantons
- The Stairway to Heaven on the run course
- Alpine panorama views throughout the course
- Medieval old town finish line in Rapperswil
The Course
The 1.9-kilometer swim takes place in the upper basin of Lake Zurich, starting from the Rapperswil waterfront. The lake is clean and typically calm in early June, with water temperatures around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Athletes swim a single loop close to shore, with the medieval castle of Rapperswil providing a dramatic sighting landmark.
The 90-kilometer bike course heads east and south through the rolling Swiss countryside of St. Gallen and Schwyz cantons. The roads wind past green pastures, forested hills, and traditional farmhouses, with several moderate climbs that accumulate to nearly 900 meters of elevation gain. The course rewards smooth, steady riding over brute power, and the descents are fast but well-sighted.
The half-marathon run follows a scenic route through Rapperswil-Jona with views of the lake and surrounding Alps. The course is mostly flat with one notable exception: the Stairway to Heaven, a steep stepped climb that has become the race's signature feature. Spectators pack the stairway, creating a wall of noise that propels tired athletes upward. The finish line in Rapperswil's old town is a fitting conclusion to one of the most picturesque 70.3 events in the world.
History
IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland has been held in Rapperswil-Jona since 2014, building on the town's long tradition of hosting triathlon events on the shores of Lake Zurich. The race quickly gained a reputation for its striking scenery and challenging but fair course, drawing athletes from across Europe and beyond.
The Stairway to Heaven section on the run has become one of the most recognizable features in the global 70.3 circuit. The race serves as a popular European qualifier for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, and its early June date makes it a key early-season target for athletes building toward autumn goal races.
How to Train for IM 70.3 Switzerland
Prepare for cool lake water
Lake Zurich in early June can still be quite cold, typically between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Practice open-water swims in similar temperatures and ensure your wetsuit fits well. Cold hands and feet at the swim exit can slow your transition if you are not accustomed to it.
Build climbing endurance on the bike
The 900 meters of elevation gain are spread across multiple climbs rather than one big ascent. Train on rolling terrain with repeated moderate efforts. Maintaining a steady power output on the ups without overcooking it will save your legs for the run.
Practice running stairs under fatigue
The Stairway to Heaven is short but steep and arrives when your legs are already fatigued from the bike and preceding run kilometers. Include stair repeats at the end of your brick sessions to simulate the effort. Walking the stairs quickly is faster than trying to run them on dead legs.
Dial in race-day nutrition early
The combination of altitude, cool morning temperatures, and the race's moderate length can make nutrition tricky. Practice your fueling plan in training to find what your stomach tolerates at race intensity. Aim to take in the bulk of your calories on the bike so you can run light.
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