IRONMAN has announced that the IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon has been selected to host the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship in 2026.
The event will return to central Pennsylvania on Sunday, June 14, 2026, offering a North American Championship title, elevated professional prize purse, and increased age group qualifying opportunities for the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.
Priority registration for the event opens today (Thursday, August 28) with general registration opening on Tuesday, September 2.
“We are thrilled to bring the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship race to State College and the Happy Valley Community to showcase this beautiful venue,” said AJ Sills, Northeast Regional Director for IRONMAN.
“State College has been a phenomenal host since the event was launched in 2023, and we could not be prouder to see this event host some of the best athletes from around the world next June with this prestigious designation.”
Eric Engelbarts, Executive Director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, said “Being selected to host the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship race is a tremendous opportunity for Happy Valley.
“This event will bring thousands of athletes, families, and fans to our region, creating a powerful economic impact for our local businesses while showcasing Happy Valley as a premier sports tourism destination. We are proud to continue building a reputation that puts our region on the global stage.”
Fritz Smith, President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, added “We are thrilled that the IRONMAN 70.3 Series is returning to Happy Valley in a big way.
“From a visitation perspective, hosting the North American Championship is of course wonderful news. But it means more than that. For the past three years, the community has fully embraced the event – from turning out in large numbers to volunteer or to simply cheer on these elite athletes. This announcement is equally fantastic news for residents, whom I am confident will be ready to show competitors and their families true Happy Valley hospitality.”
Located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, Centre County is home to Penn State University. The scenery of Pennsylvania is accessible via a few hours’ drive or a short flight. The region offers visitors and locals alike plenty to do year-round, from concerts, site tours and museums, to exploring the trails, fishing, and boating in the area’s many lakes and rivers.
The 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley North American Championship race will treat athletes to a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a 56-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, culminating with a 13.1-mile run on the campus of Penn State University including a unique finish line experience for athletes alongside Beaver Stadium, home to the Penn State University Nittany Lions.
