Cervia, September 19, 2026 – The sun was not yet high when the beach of Cervia transformed into a great sports stage. In front of thousands of spectators, the Ironman Italy Emilia-Romagna kicked off with one of the most awaited and evocative images of the entire weekend: the athletes’ run towards the sea, immersed in the pink and golden colors of the dawn over the Adriatic.
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Over 3,000 athletes at the start
Also this year over 3,000 athletes lined up at the start of the legendary “long distance,” ready to face an extreme test of endurance, concentration, and passion. At 7:30 the official start began the challenge, accompanied by the excitement of the crowd gathered on the shore.
The course
The day opened with the notes of the Italian National Anthem, in the presence of civil and military authorities. The course includes 3.8 kilometers of swimming in the waters of the Cervia sea, 180 kilometers by bike, and finally the 42.2-kilometer marathon, finishing at the Fantini Club. The first athletes are expected at the finish line during the afternoon, while the finish line will continue to be lively until evening, when the last participants will try to complete the feat and earn the medal.
An important event for Cervia
Since the Italian debut in 2017, Ironman has always chosen Cervia as a privileged venue, thanks to the city and territory’s ability to combine natural scenery, Romagna hospitality, and sports culture.
For Cervia it is much more than a race: it is an event that lights up the seafront, involves the community, and confirms the strong bond between Romagna and great international sport. The cry that accompanies this new edition remains the same as always: “nothing is impossible.”
Ilaria Bedeschi
