Augusta in Maine, has become the new host venue for the IRONMAN 70.3 Maine triathlon in 2022. The 2022 edition of the event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 31, 2022, with general registration opening on January 31, 2022.
Following the impact of COVID-19, the original IRONMAN 70.3 Maine in Old Orchard Beach was cancelled in 2020. The event had originally got under way in 2017, after IRONMAN took over the race previously known as Rev3 Maine. From 2017, IRONMAN operated the event, as its first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 in Maine in the most northeastern US state.
“IRONMAN 70.3 Maine has been an athlete favourite for the same reasons people love to come to Maine in the summer,” said Dave Christen, Regional Director of the Northeast for The IRONMAN Group.
“This charming capital city will offer athletes that perfect Maine experience. We are excited to partner with this great city, the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the regional partners who will support the event.
“Athletes will fall in love with the capital city as Augusta will not only become a staple in their racing calendar, but also a favourite place to stay year-round. We can’t wait for athletes to come see what makes summer in Maine so special.”
Located in the heart of the Kennebec Valley in central Maine, Augusta hosts both natural and historic features as the state capital. The city of Augusta is located on the Kennebec River, just about an hour away from Portland, Maine.
The city also hosts outdoor recreation from arboretums, parks, museums, sturgeon fishing (the inspiration for the event logo), golf, and more. Downtown Augusta offers dining options, shops, numerous attractions, and the historic Old Fort Western, America’s oldest surviving wooden fort built in 1754.
“The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to host and welcome an IRONMAN 70.3 event to Augusta,” said Katie Doherty, President & CEO Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“This is going to be a huge economic impact for our region and members. I am excited to showcase our area to all of the athletes and guests and show them how great it is to live, work, and play here.”
This event begins with a downriver point-to-point swim in the Kennebec River where athletes will then transition near the Maine capitol buildings and onto the bike leg. The bike course will feature green, tree-lined roads with rolling hills to break up the 56-mile route.
Once back into Augusta and to the capitol area, the athletes will transition to a 13.1-mile run featuring the Kennebec River Rail Trail and some running in and amongst Augusta and the surrounding communities.
