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Triathlon Review: 70.3 Brasilia
- Rachel Faulds
- May 1
- 11 min read
A Comprehensive Guide To Racing Ironman 70.3 Brasilia
*This is a review of Ironman 70.3 Brasilia based on both my experience and the experience of our friend and Brazilian athlete Marcelo Zanine
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi
Pre-Travel:
For this trip, we ensured we met all visa requirements for Canadian citizens traveling to Brazil. We applied through the official government channels, submitting the necessary photos and documentation. Once approved, we were issued our visas and instructed to carry a printed copy for both boarding the plane and passing through Brazilian customs. As an extra precaution, we brought two printed copies per person.
The Race:
Venue: Brasilia, Brazil
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi
Registration & Expo
The expo ran from Thursday to Sunday, with athlete check-in available from Thursday through Saturday. Hands down, this was the best Ironman expo I’ve experienced so far (as of April 2025). It featured a wide range of vendors covering everything a triathlete could need—bike gear, maintenance services, on-site mechanics, and plenty of nutrition options, as well as gear for swim, bike, and run. There was even a sunscreen sponsor handing out samples at packet pickup—which, as someone who burns easily, I deeply appreciated.
The energy at the expo was fantastic—fun, friendly, and buzzing with pre-race excitement. Food vendors (açaí bowls!) added to the vibe, and a large interactive wall featured every athlete’s name. You could place a colored sticker to show if it was your first, second, or even eighth 70.3 and sign your name alongside thousands of others. It was a small but meaningful touch that helped foster a strong sense of community and celebration.
Thankfully, I didn’t forget anything or have gear issues, but if I had, this expo would have had me covered. We even picked up new sunglasses while we were there. The registration process was smooth, quick, and well-organized—no stress, even without speaking Portuguese fluently.
While English-speaking athletes can definitely navigate the expo and race without trouble, learning some Portuguese will enhance your experience and allow for deeper connections with the local community and other athletes. We’ve made it a personal goal to learn more before returning to Brazil.
Race Tip: One of the standout features of this event was how much online engagement there was leading up to race day. Local Instagram accounts shared helpful tips, and YouTube videos provided a virtual race briefing, which made it easy to stay informed. As an athlete, I really appreciated the accessibility and flow of information—it added to the overall experience in a big way. If you’re an English speaker, I still recommend following these accounts and letting Google Translate do the heavy lifting. It worked great for us!
Transition Setup Athletes were required to drop off their bikes the day before the race, with designated time slots based on race numbers. AWA and professional athletes were the exception—they could check in their bikes anytime.
All other transition setup (shoes, nutrition, gear) happened race morning.
Race Tip: Give yourself extra time to use the bathroom before the race—lines grow quickly. That said, this event did a great job with availability, including porta-potties near transition and the swim start, along with permanent restrooms in the park.
Gear Bags: Athletes received two gear bags: one for transition and one for personal items to be dropped at the swim start. The drop-off location was super convenient—right next to the swim—and bags were easy to retrieve at the finish line, just past the chute.
Swim: The swim took place in a freshwater lake and followed a single-loop course. Navigation was straightforward thanks to large, easy-to-spot buoys with different colors for turning points versus sighting—an appreciated detail. Athletes were given a heads-up that the sun might be directly in your eyes on the way to the first buoy, so tinted goggles were highly recommended.
After the initial turn, the sun was no longer an issue, and conditions were ideal: calm waters, a comfortably warm 24°C, and an accurately measured course.
Athletes entered the water in staggered waves based on estimated swim time, which helped reduce congestion. The exit was well-marked and included a ramp to assist athletes out of the water.
One important note—there was no pre-race warm-up swim or test swim available, so be ready to start cold.
Transition 1 (Swim to Bike) : After exiting the water, athletes entered a well-organized and clearly marked transition area. The flow was intuitive, with a clearly labeled bike exit and a visible mount line.
Important tip: Immediately after the mount line, there's a short uphill ramp leading out of the park. Make sure your bike is racked in an easy gear so you’re ready to spin up the incline right away.
Bike: The bike course was a two-loop route with just over 600 meters of elevation gain. Although it’s often called “fast,” I’d describe it as more of a rolling course. It featured steady inclines and smooth descents that kept the ride dynamic. The first few kilometers were net uphill, but you’re rewarded with some enjoyable downhill stretches afterward.
Road quality was excellent—smooth pavement, well-marked turns, and a layout that felt safe throughout. The course passed several iconic Brasília landmarks.
Aid stations were well-spaced along the course. I didn’t personally use them, so I can’t comment on product availability, but they were placed consistently and looked well-staffed.
It’s also worth noting that the bike course was closed to traffic. While there were sections on a multi-lane (4-lane) highway where vehicles had access to one lane, that lane was far removed from the athletes, maintaining the feel of a fully closed course.
Photos provided by Marcelo Zanine of his competition in 70.3 Brasilia
Run :
Huge thanks to Marcelo Zanine for writing this review of the run course! Meeting both Marcelo and Mariana was a highlight of this race trip for us:
“I truly loved the run at Brasília 70.3 — both in terms of the experience and how I personally performed — but when I reflect on the run course organization, I do think there’s room for improvement. I don’t recall seeing distance markers clearly displayed, and the staff responsible for lap counting (the ones handing out wristbands) could have been better coordinated. Still, that didn’t negatively impact the race, since the course was accurate: 21 km, split into three 7 km loops.
Regarding medical support, I didn’t see any athletes needing assistance, so I can’t speak to the response itself, but I did notice medical staff on the bike course and at two points on the run. From what I saw, there was a solid presence, and I’ve always felt safe at Ironman events in Brazil — this was actually my sixth one, and I’ve never had any issues. I really trust the organization here. I also felt that the hydration stations and on-course support were adequate. However, it was a common observation that two of the aid stations were placed too close to one another.
As for the course description, I found the run to be exactly what was outlined in the athlete guide, especially with the lake setting — it was beautiful and made for an incredible experience. Overall, I found the race to be very well organized, and the city was welcoming. Brasília isn’t traditionally known as a tourist destination, but it embraced the event wonderfully.
The swim in the lake was scenic, safe, and comfortable, while the bike course was also very well marked. Even though it was fast, it was still challenging, with some hills, U-turns, and technical curves. To top it off, the run took place around the lake — one of Brasília’s iconic landmarks — which made the final stretch especially enjoyable. The crowd support was great too, with plenty of cheering along the course. All in all, I really enjoyed the experience.”
Spectator Experience:
While the park is a bit removed from the city and most accommodations—meaning it’s likely to be a long day for family and friends—it’s absolutely well set up for your support crew. Spectators had great visibility of the swim and multiple chances to cheer during the looped run course. The bike course is a bit more removed, but the park itself makes up for it with plenty of amenities: clean bathrooms, restaurants, the expo area, and an all-around lively atmosphere. The energy throughout the day was high, and the setting made it a fun place to spend the race.
Pre Race Training And Accomodation:
For this race, we booked our accommodation through Opalatur (opalatur.com.br), which made things super streamlined. They offered a race package that included hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, a pre-race dinner, and organized transportation—making race logistics much easier to manage.
The hotel was in a great location with access to restaurants, a nearby park, and shopping. Breakfast opened early on race morning and had great options tailored for athletes. The pre-race dinner was a nice touch and took away the stress of finding food the night before.
One of the best parts: shuttles ran every 30 minutes to and from the race expo, and on race day there were shuttles for both athletes and supporters. Bikes were transported to the venue for us, which made things a lot easier logistically.
A few notes on training before race day:
Cycling near the hotel wasn’t ideal, so Opalatur recommended a park about 3 km away.
Running was relatively accessible with a few small parks nearby, but Brasília isn’t very pedestrian-friendly—so expect multiple loops and be cautious when crossing streets.
The hotel we stayed at had a small pool and a gym with multiple treadmills, though the pool wasn’t suitable for proper lap swimming. I used it for a light flush-out swim after our travel day, but it wouldn’t be ideal for structured swim workouts.
Swimming the course before race day isn’t allowed, so if you want to get a swim in, it’s best to look for a nearby hotel or facility with a lap pool.
At the Opalator desk, there was a dedicated athlete welcome desk where we received a well-thought-out race bag. It included:
A quality dry-fit shirt (or two)
CO2 cartridge
Water bottle
5L jug of water
Cloths
Elastics (for shoes or bottle mounts—this was such a thoughtful detail!)
They also offered recovery rooms equipped with compression boots, on-site massage services, and bike mechanics who were available to assist with any issues and help set up bikes from travel bags.Overall, the race package through Opalatur was super convenient and exceeded expectations—especially in the little details that really make a difference come race day.
Photos with our friends from Opalatur. A huge thank you to the entire team, particularly Valéria for making our race experience so enjoyable.
What truly set Opalatur apart—and why we’re so excited to work with them again for any future trips to Brazil—was the team behind it all. Everyone we met was incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming, and they’re a big part of why we fell in love with Brazil.
Post-Race Sightseeing
While Brasília might not top the list of Brazil’s most touristy destinations (those beachy bragging rights usually go to places like Rio), the city absolutely holds its own when it comes to history, design, and culture. As the capital of Brazil, Brasília offers a very different post-race experience—one rooted in architectural boldness and political significance rather than sand and surf.
Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, the entire city was built with a vision—and you can feel it. Streets are wide, buildings are futuristic, and symmetry rules everything. A walk (or drive) around the city will take you past iconic landmarks like the Catedral Metropolitana, Palácio da Alvorada, and the Congresso Nacional. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, the skyline here is unique and strangely peaceful—clean lines, open skies, and a surprising amount of green space.
That said, it becomes obvious pretty quickly that Brasília was designed with cars in mind. There’s no shortage of parks and open areas, but the city layout doesn’t exactly favour pedestrians—think intersections where only half the corners have crosswalks. It’s a bit of a puzzle on foot, so plan your post-race strolls accordingly.
Since the race finishes at Pontão do Lago Sul, you’re already in a prime spot to grab food and relax by the lake. It’s a scenic and lively area with great options within walking distance of the finish line.
Speaking of food, one of our favourites was Páprica Burger. I’m vegetarian, and their veggie burger was honestly the best I’ve ever had. No exaggeration. The vibe is casual, and their burger and mikshake combo was a perfect post race meal.
We’ve also heard from friends that Brasília’s food scene has even more gems we didn’t get to—which only means one thing: we’ll have to come back and taste our way through the rest.
Words To Know:
Hi – Oi
Hello – Olá
Goodbye – Adeus / Tchau
Yes – Sim
No – Não
Please – Por favor
Thank you – Obrigado (if you're male) / Obrigada (if you're female)
No, thank you – Não, obrigado(a)
Okay – Ok / Tudo bem
Triathlons In Brasil:
Brazil has a strong triathlon culture, with many races selling out fast—and after racing our first event here, it’s easy to see why.
We had a fantastic experience at 70.3 Brasília, but locals often point to Rio as the crown jewel. Our friend Marcelo shared his thoughts on racing across Brazil:
“As for racing in Brazil more broadly, I’ve done 70.3 Ironman races in three other cities: Maceió (in the Northeast), Florianópolis (in the South), and Rio de Janeiro (in the Southeast). Subjectively, Rio de Janeiro is by far the most impressive place to race an Ironman. The scenery is absolutely stunning, the crowd support is incredibly lively, and the course takes you through some of the country’s most iconic landmarks — like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach. That said, the bike course in Rio is very challenging with some hills inside tunnels, not quite a good experience in my perspective. However, if I had to recommend just one race in Brazil, it would be Rio, hands down — it offers the full package.”
Other triathlon races in Brazil include:
Ironman Brazil (Florianópolis) Closest Airport: Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro
Closest Airport: Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)
Ironman 70.3 São Paulo
Closest Airport: São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Ironman 70.3 Florianópolis Closest Airport: Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
Ironman 70.3 Aracaju (Sergipe)
Closest Airport: Santa Maria Airport (AJU)
Challenge Florianópolis Closest Airport: Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
Challenge Fortaleza Closest Airport: Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport (FOR)
Tips and Tricks:
Plan your nutrition in advance, including if you are going to be using aid stations. If you are using aid stations make sure you look out for litter zones and/or prep yourself for the bottle pick ups.
Bring a flat changing kit (and/or a flat patching kit).
Give yourself extra time race morning since there are often long lines for toilets.
If you plan on using aid stations during the bike practice grabbing bottles during your ride(s)/training.
Race Specific:
Prepare your equipment bags the night before the race to have a smooth set up race morning.
In your race prep, be sure to practice your sighting for the swim.
Cost:
Currency: The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and accommodations. In some places, cash was preferred for tipping so it’s helpful to carry a bit of local currency. We brought a total of about 400 BRL in cash.
Accommodations: We stayed with Opulator and paid approximately $1,100 CAD total for a Thursday to Monday stay for two people. This included all booking fees, service charges, and taxes. The location was clean, secure, and a short walk to shuttle pickup points.
Food: Brasília offers a range of food options, from casual bites to higher-end dining. We found meals could be as low as 25–40 BRL ($7–$10 CAD) for casual fare, with upscale spots reaching 100–150 BRL ($25–$40 CAD) per person.
Transportation: We didn’t use taxis during this trip since we had access to athlete shuttles, which made getting around super easy and stress-free. That said, taxis and other transportation services seemed to be widely available.
Parking: Since we didn't have a car, we didn’t need to worry about parking, but shuttle access near our accommodations eliminated the need for any additional transport planning.
Entry Fee: As a professional athlete, my entry fee was based on a predetermined rate. For age groupers, the typical registration cost for Ironman 70.3 Brasília ranges from 2,000–2,400 BRL (~$500–$600 CAD), depending on how early you sign up. This includes your race bib, chip, and access to race services.
Expo & Merch: The expo was free to access and included a decent variety of vendors, including Ironman-branded merchandise and local gear. Prices were similar to other Ironman races, which means that products are offered at a bit of a markup.
Please note that this post was written from my perspective and experiences. Your experiences may vary. Please read the Canadian travel advisory (or your own countries travel advisory) prior to travel.
