Tri-Cities Becomes New Host for IRONMAN

IRONMAN announced that Tri-Cities, Washington, will become the host venue for the IRONMAN® 70.3® Washington Tri-Cities triathlon in 2024. The Tri-Cities area sits at the confluence of three rivers in southeast Washington where the cities of Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco are some of the fastest growing communities in the state. The 2024 edition of the event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, with general registration opening on October 25, 2023 at www.ironman.com/im703-washington-tri-cities.  

 “We are proud to bring the new IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities event to this unique and beautiful area of Washington State,” said Tim Brosious, Regional Director of the Northwest for The IRONMAN Group. “We know our athletes will enjoy racing in the area for the same reasons people love to visit the Tri-Cities each fall - 300 days of sunshine and an abundance of outdoor recreation. This charming area will offer athletes that perfect Eastern Washington experience. We are excited to partner with Visit Tri-Cities, the Cities of Richland and West Richland, and the regional partners in the greater Tri-Cities area who will support the event. Athletes will fall in love with the rolling hills of wine country, as Tri-Cities will not only become a staple in their racing calendar, but also a favorite place to vacation year-round. We can’t wait for athletes to come see what makes fall in the Tri-Cities so special.”
 
“IRONMAN is one of the most recognized global brands in endurance sports and we are thrilled they have selected the Tri-Cities to represent that brand,” said Kevin Lewis, CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “The benefits of hosting an IRONMAN 70.3 event are extremely positive and go far beyond the millions of dollars it will bring in through visitor spending.”
 
Located at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake Rivers in southeast Washington, the Tri-Cities region hosts a refreshing combination of outdoor recreation and beautiful sunny skies. The area is a favorite among vacationers for its pleasant climate, flowing waters, rolling hillsides, and fertile vineyards. During the fall, visitors can walk the Riverfront Trail, dotted with family-friendly parks, marinas, and beaches. Steps away from the river, visitors will find a diverse array of cafés, breweries, and tasting rooms awaiting exploration.

The Tri-Cities area hosts endless outdoor recreation from hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, salmon fishing, beach volleyball, golf, and more. The area boasts an impressive selection of dining options, quaint shops, numerous attractions, and more than 200 wineries with spectacular views. While in Tri-Cities visitors can also explore the intriguing historical dynamics of a World War II Heritage City and discover the secrets of the universe with a visit to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). LIGO proves out Einstein’s theories to detect gravitational waves of cosmic origin. Athletes and spectators from around the world will be amazed at the passion and friendliness of the people and the driving spirit of discovery found in the Tri-Cities region.
 
“Our community is such an ideal location for a signature event like this,” said Lewis. The facilities along the Columbia River provide an incredible venue for athletes and spectators. Combine that with the welcoming enthusiasm of our people and you generate an unforgettable race experience. When visitors get a taste of the great amenities we have, the healthy quality of life, and our friendly community spirit, we’re sure they’ll want to return again and again.”
 
The IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities triathlon will provide athletes with a triathlon tour of the Tri-Cities beginning at Howard Amon Park in Richland, with a 1.2-mile down river point-to-point swim in the Columbia River. Once out of the water, athletes will enter the single transition at Columbia Point Park and onto the bike leg. The rolling 56-mile bike course will feature the well-known Tri-Cities wineries through rural country roads. Once back in Richland and to the riverfront, athletes will transition to a 13.1-mile run featuring the familiar Riverfront Trail and its many shoreline parks. The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities triathlon will offer age group qualifying slots to the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon.
 
For more information on IRONMAN 70.3 Tri- Washington Cities, please visit at www.ironman.com/im703-washington-tri-cities. To learn more about the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 brands and series of events, please visit www.ironman.com. Media inquiries may be directed to press@ironman.com.