Muskoka named as host of new Ironman

Ironman announced today that Muskoka, Ont., has been selected to host the fourteenth race in the Ironman North American series. The inaugural Ironman Muskoka triathlon will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. In addition, Ironman announced that the existing Ironman 70.3 Muskoka triathlon will now shift dates to Sunday, July 5, 2015, making it the ideal training race for Ironman Muskoka.

“Ironman 70.3 Muskoka has been a premiere race for the Ironman brand in the region and we are thrilled to expand our offerings in Canada with the addition of Ironman Muskoka,” said Andrew Messick, the company’s CEO. “Muskoka is rich in triathlon history, including hosting the ITU Triathlon world championship in 1992. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Town of Huntsville, TriMuskoka and the Deerhurst Resort to deliver an amazing race for our athletes.”

The race will start with a single loop 2.4-mile swim in the picturesque Peninsula Lake. The two-loop bike course circles Lake of Bays, passing through the small communities of Dwight, Dorset and Baysville. The two-loop run will take competitors through the Muskoka region and historic downtown Huntsville as they enter the spectator zone, finishing their day back at the resort.

“The Town of Huntsville is thrilled to be hosting Ontario’s first Ironman triathlon in 2015 as well as 2016 and 2017,” said Mayor Claude Doughty. “This event is an excellent fit for our community as triathlons provide an ideal way to showcase our beautiful landscape while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle to our residents and visitors. The positive energy and attention that this event will bring to our region will be outstanding and we are truly honoured to be hosting a sporting event that
is as world renowned as an Ironman.”

Ironman Muskoka will offer 50 age group slots to the 2016 Ironman World Championship taking place on Oct. 8, 2016 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Edited from a press release.