A Decade of IRONSTAR Festival in Zavidovo: Sport, Family and New Options

What Awaits Participants This Year

On August 29‑30 2026, the Zavidovo resort—situated in a scenic corner of Tver Oblast—will host the milestone IRONSTAR festival. It’s the tenth edition, and the lineup is broader than ever: alongside the classic triathlons you’ll find swim‑run mix races, separate men’s and women’s courses, and dedicated routes for kids.

Competition Schedule

August 29 – Opening Day

• SWIMRUN – a unique combo of four short swims (200 m each) and four runs (1.7 km each). The format lets you test water and land skills in one go.
• SWIMSTAR – a series of open‑water swims. You can pick a 1 km distance, a single nautical mile (≈1.85 km) or two nautical miles (≈3.70 km). Pairs can also enter a 2 km relay, with each teammate covering 1 km.
• IRONLADY and MANSTAR – separate 5 km runs for women and men, respectively.
• STARKIDS – kids’ courses: toddlers up to 6 years tackle 500 m, while 7‑ to 12‑year‑olds cover 1 km.

August 30 – Triathlon Day

• IRONSTAR 1/4 – the classic set: 1 km swim, 41 km bike, 10 km run. The same distance also hosts the Tver Oblast championship.
• IRONSTAR 1/8 – a shorter version: 0.5 km swim, 22 km bike, 5 km run.
• IRONSTAR SUPERMIX – a combined format: athletes first complete the 1/4 distance, take a short break, then tackle the 1/8. Altogether they cover 1.5 km in the water, 63 km on bike and 15 km on foot; the result is based on total time.

How the Festival’s Popularity Grows

Since the first triathlon in Zavidovo, participant numbers have risen from a few hundred to several thousand. In 2025 the start attracted roughly three thousand athletes, and this season the organizers aim to boost that figure by another 15 %. Between 2017 and 2025, almost twenty thousand people from over seventy Russian regions and twenty‑four countries took part in IRONSTAR events. The surge shows how sport and tourism are intertwining, creating a win‑win environment.

Where to Stay: New Accommodation Options

Zavidovo has long offered the Radisson hotel, a handful of guesthouses, plus the “Yamskaya Sloboda” glamping and camping sites. This year a second development phase opened: the four‑star “Erbelia” and “Ryabina” hotels, and the “Breviss” apart‑hotel. Together they cover the whole spectrum—from comfortable hotel rooms to more rugged camping. The starter village will sit on the square beside the Congress Hall, streamlining logistics for athletes and their families.

Courses and Venues

• Water stages take place on the Doybitsa River, where the water is usually calm and suitable for both pros and beginners.
• Bike routes wind through the trails of the Yamsky Forest Nature Park, offering scenic views and varied terrain.
• Running courses span the whole resort, letting runners shift from forest paths to open fields.

During the competition the central square will host an EXPO zone—a sports fair where you can pick up race packets, check out the latest gear and chat with fellow athletes.

After the Finish: Rest and Entertainment

If you’re traveling with family, Zavidovo has a few leisure options. The Family Park is ideal for walks and picnics, while the region’s largest indoor water park, “Zavidovo Aqua & SPA,” boasts 18 pools, 17 water attractions—including ten slides—two kids’ zones and a dedicated spa area. After a hard‑won workout, a dip in the warm water or a soothing spa session makes a perfect recovery.

Why You Should Come in 2026

• Anniversary status – the tenth edition has become a staple that draws not only athletes but also their families.
• Expanded lodging range – new hotels and the apart‑hotel let you pick the comfort level that fits your taste.
• Variety of distances – from short kids’ routes to the combined SUPERMIX, there’s a challenge for everyone.
• Rest infrastructure – the water park, spa and natural areas make Zavidovo appealing not just for competition but for a full‑scale family holiday.

If you want to mix sport and leisure, the 2026 IRONSTAR festival in Zavidovo has everything you need: solid courses, comfortable lodging and a wide range of post‑race activities. Here sport and tourism truly go hand in hand, creating an atmosphere you’ll want to experience again and again.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.