Ironman Costa Navarino 70.3 starts in he crystal-clear waters of Gialova Bay, a protected cove with historical significance as the site of the legendary Battle of Navarino. Athletes begin their journey from the pristine sandy beach of W Costa Navarino, embarking on a single-loop, clockwise course with just one turn. The bay’s remarkably transparent waters offer swimmers the unique experience of viewing the seabed throughout their entire 1.9 km journey, creating a serene and visually stunning start to the race.
The cycling portion features a beautifully paved two-loop route that showcases Messinia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Riders will pedal through ancient Messinian Olive Groves that have stood for centuries, navigate rolling hills that provide just enough challenge, and pass through fragrant pine forests offering welcome shade.
he two-loop running course offers a flat and fast route perfect for strong finishes. Beginning in the charming Gialova Village, runners will experience tremendous local support as they navigate the pedestrian-friendly paths of this traditional fishing community.
Late October in Costa Navarino offers pleasant autumn conditions as the Mediterranean summer transitions to the milder fall season. Air temperatures typically range from 12°C to 22°C (53.6°F to 71.6°F), with cooler mornings warming to comfortable afternoons ideal for athletic activities. Evenings can become quite cool, so appropriate layering is recommended for pre-race and post-race periods.
The region experiences moderate rainfall during this time, with an average of 60mm of precipitation distributed across approximately 8 rainy days throughout the month. While there’s about a 25% chance of encountering rain on any given day, showers are often brief and followed by clearing skies. The transitional nature of autumn weather means conditions can vary from year to year.
Humidity levels average around 65%, creating comfortable conditions that aren’t overly dry or muggy. This moderate humidity contributes to the region’s pleasant atmospheric feel during the fall season.
Wind conditions are generally mild to moderate with average speeds of 12 km/h (7.5 mph). The coastal location can occasionally experience stronger gusts, particularly in the afternoons, which might be noticeable during the cycling portion of the event.
The water temperature in Gialova Bay remains surprisingly comfortable in late October, averaging approximately 21°C (69.8°F). This relatively warm temperature is a legacy of the summer heating and the sheltered nature of the bay, making swimming conditions quite pleasant without necessarily requiring thermal wetsuits, though many triathletes may still opt for them to optimize performance.
