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Ironman Boulder folds after six years of racing

Since 2014, Ironman has had a place in Boulder, Colorado. In the sixth edition of the race on June 9th, Matt Hanson and Lauren Brandon won in thrilling fashion. Hanson ran down the competition with his sub-2:50 marathon, while Brandon led from start to finish.

The finish at Ironman Boulder 2019. Photo: Jordan Bryden

Related: Lauren Brandon and Matt Hanson take the top step in Boulder

On June 10th, Ironman confirmed that the full-distance event would no longer take place. However, the city of Boulder ‘will continue to be an important partner and play host to the Ironman 70.3 Boulder triathlon.’

The news comes a year after a partnership between Ironman, the city of Boulder and the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, confirmed the continuation of the full and half distance races through 2020. “After thoughtful consideration, we have decided that 2019 will be the final year for Ironman Boulder,” said Frank Lowery, Midwest Great Plains Regional Director for Ironman. “A decision like this is never easy, and we understand the disappointment this may cause our athletes.”

The bike course at Ironman Boulder. Photo: Jordan Bryden

Ironman 70.3 Boulder has been in the outdoor enthusiast city since 2001, and while the discontinuation of Ironman in Boulder is disappointing, the half distance race will remain for at least another year. “Our entire team celebrates the time Ironman Boulder had in our city and look forward to our ongoing hosting of Ironman 70.3 Boulder again in the future,” said Jane Brautigam, City Manager for the City of Boulder. Ironman 70.3 Boulder will be held on August 3, 2019.

Boulder Reservoir. Photo: Jordan Bryden

Related: St. George named host city for the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship and 2020 Ironman North American Championship

Ironman had been busy lately. On May 3rd, Ironman announced that the city of St. George, Utah had been selected to host the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship. In addition, a full-distance Ironman would be coming to St. George in 2020, and become the kick-off site a new, rotating Ironman race. This race will rotate between a series of cities across North America. The 2020 and 2023 Ironman St. George events will be designated as North American Championships. The other host communities in the rotation for 2021 and 2022, will be announced at a later date.

There’s also the possibility of an Ironman Canada return to Penticton, BC. Read more.