IRONMAN will host the new IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm triathlon in 2026. The new event is scheduled to make its debut on Sunday, March 15, 2026, beginning at Little Elm Park and traversing through the town of Little Elm and the North Texas countryside.
General registration for the new event opens on July 23, 2025. Located north of Dallas along the shores of Lewisville Lake, IRONMAN notes that the town of Little Elm offers a mix of lakefront recreation, home-town charm, and big-city access, making it the ideal setting for a new IRONMAN 70.3 event in the Lone Star State.
“Little Elm has a ton of potential to become one of the best IRONMAN 70.3 host locations on the circuit,” said Todd Fitzgerald, Regional Director for IRONMAN.
“With ten different communities in the area coming together to support the event, the welcoming culture, numerous amenities, and Texas charm are what make this area a perfect destination for IRONMAN athletes and their families to escape for a race-cation here in North Texas.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the communities of Little Elm, Celina, Frisco, Prosper, Providence Village, Oak Point, Cross Roads, Denton County, Pilot Point, and Aubrey for welcoming us and allowing IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm to race through their streets. We cannot wait to showcase this area through the sport of triathlon.”
Curtis Cornelious, Mayor of Little Elm, said “Hosting IRONMAN in Little Elm is an incredible opportunity to put our community and region on the map in a whole new way.
“This event not only highlights our beautiful lakefront and parks but also showcases the power of regional unity. We’re proud to join with our neighbors to create a memorable experience for athletes and visitors alike.”
As ‘The Town With a Lake Attitude’, Little Elm is a fast-growing North Texas community nestled along the shores of Lewisville Lake. Known for a welcoming spirit, outdoor lifestyle, and miles of lakefront shoreline, Little Elm blends hometown charm with modern amenities.
Athletes and visitors alike can enjoy waterfront parks, sandy beaches, local dining, and year-round recreation, from kayaking and paddleboarding to running along picturesque trails. Just 35 miles north of downtown Dallas and about 30 minutes from both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), Little Elm offers a laid-back, lakeside escape with easy access to the heart of the metroplex. These natural and logistical advantages are seen to make it an ideal venue for hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm triathlon.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm triathlon will kick off with a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Lewisville, with both start and finish on Little Elm Beach. The largest beach in North Texas, Little Elm provides a setting for spectator viewing, enhancing both the athlete and the fan experience.
Once out of the water, the 56-mile bike course heads north of Little Elm, highlighting quiet, rural two-lane roads and suburban communities, as the course rolls through rural Texas, offering views adorned with Texas longhorns further complimenting the athlete experience. This is a relatively flat course with gentle inclines and declines, making it desirable for a wide range of athletes.
The 13.1-mile run course takes athletes along the Little Elm nature trail system, offering a smooth and consistent running surface. The three-loop run course is designed to be extremely spectator friendly.
The 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship race in Nice, France.
