The 2023 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon has been selected to host the IRONMAN Americas Championship for 2023. After hosting the IRONMAN North America Championship for multiple years, The Woodlands, Texas now expands its designation to the Americas, representing the regional championship for North and South America.
The 2023 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship Texas, part of the VinFast IRONMAN US Series, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Registration for the event is now open.
As a regional championship event, the 2023 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship Texas triathlon will have increased qualifying opportunities – with 165 slots for the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i, the most ever offered at this event.
‘In addition, with one of the largest professional prize purses to date expected, the 2023 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship Texas expects to attract a large professional field.’
“We are thrilled to bring the IRONMAN Americas Championship to this longstanding popular IRONMAN event here in Texas,” said Scott Langen, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group.
“The Woodlands has been a stellar host since the event was launched in 2011 and we could not be prouder to see this event host some of the best athletes from around the globe again next April with this prestigious designation.”
A release from IRONMAN added… ‘The new designation will showcase The Woodland’s community to some of the world’s top triathletes, illustrating why the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon has finished in the Top 10 of Global Athlete Satisfaction categories such as Best Host City and Best Run Course. In true Texas fashion, the event will be going bigger than ever by rewarding participating athletes with its unique Belt Buckle medals, gifts for select age categories, and an unforgettable athlete experience.’
“It’s an incredible honour and amazing opportunity to be named the host location of the IRONMAN Americas Championship for 2023,” said Bruce Rieser, Chairman of Visit The Woodlands, and a major sponsor of the event.
“Every year, we look forward to welcoming the IRONMAN athletes that participate in this great event. This year will be even more special as we welcome remarkable athletes who will be competing at the championship level.”
Gordy Bunch, Chairman of the Board of The Woodlands Township, said “The Woodlands is honored to have been named the host location of the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship for 2023.
“We are pleased IRONMAN athletes from around the world consistently rank The Woodlands in the top 10 in many categories for the IRONMAN Athlete Choice Awards, especially as it relates to the scenic route of The Woodlands Waterway.
“Our 4,000+ community volunteers and thousands of spectators will be able to witness some of the best athletes in the world competing right here in The Woodlands for the prize of the IRONMAN Americas Champion.”
Located 27 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands offers ‘big-city amenities with a small-town vibe’. With its extensive parks and recreation, golf, shopping, dining, healthcare and more, there is southern hospitality and an active downtown on offer.
“The Woodlands has been an outstanding home for many IRONMAN events and the community truly embodies and elevates the spirit of IRONMAN, creating a memorable racing experience for athletes and their teams,” said Ben Hoffman, veteran professional triathlete and overall winner of the 2022 IRONMAN Texas race.
“The Woodlands is tailor-made for triathlon, with a venue that challenges racers and offers ample opportunity for personal records. My favourite is the run course along the Woodlands Waterway with outstanding spectator support, and a finish line atmosphere that will give you goosebumps. I look forward to another unforgettable event in 2023.”
The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship Texas triathlon will begin with a rolling start format. The 2.4-mile swim will take place in Lake Woodlands where the water of the freshwater lake maintains an average temperature of 82°F (28°C).
Once athletes exit the water, they will begin the 112-mile bike with a reputation for being flat and fast. The two-loop, out-and-back course begins in The Woodlands and heads to Northern Harris County. Once athletes reach this point, they will complete two loops on the Hardy Toll Road with minimum elevation gain.
Once off the bike, athletes will start their 26.2-mile, three-lap run. Runners will have views of The Woodlands Waterway as they make their way towards the finish on Waterway Ave.
“As a professional that has many IRONMAN races to choose from, I have chosen to race IRONMAN Texas every time,” said Jocelyn McCauley, 2022 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas women’s champion.
“IRONMAN Texas is such a great championship event from the world class host hotel, the community, and the race course. The Woodlands township community comes out to support the race in Texas fashion.”
In addition, IRONMAN adds that… ‘the 2023 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Americas Championship Texas will be a Women For Tri designated event. 65 of the 165 slots will be designated Women For Tri slots exclusively for women, furthering Women For Tri’s goal of growing participation and celebration of women in the sport.’
