These two Canadian provinces are the fastest growing Ironman markets

For a few years there has been much uncertainty around the current state and future of Ironman. The corporation took a public hit with  controversial changes to its world championship race locations now split between Kona, Hawaii and Nice, France, with men and women competing separately at rotating venues.

Recently released statistics suggest the corporation may be healthier than ever, with record number registrations in a surprising age group, early sell outs of some of its North American races, and two Canadian provinces leading the way. Quebec and Ontario have seen the biggest growth across Ironman markets, with new events on the calendar. The move to relocate Ironman Canada from west to east resulted in a sold out race. The cancellation of Ironman 70. Mont-Tremblant may have heightened the desire to lock in a spot in its 70.3 distance.

With the addition of an event in Chicago this year, Illinois will also see growth this year.

A younger crowd comes calling

More women and younger athletes are participating, with the largest growth seen in the 18 to 35 year old age group. At an increase of 32 per cent in 2024 in the younger age group, that’s an all time high in North America. The increase in women participating in the long distance was 10 per cent.

The data suggests a slump in the ability or desire of athletes to travel post-Covid to events within North America has recovered. California, Texas, New York and Florida saw the biggest resurgence in travellers to its race destinations. From 2023 to 2024 that number jumped by 15 per cent.

The hottest races on the circuit

Last year, over 50,000 athletes completed either an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 across North America, marking a four per cent increase year-on-year. The most popular events this year are Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant, Ironman 70.3 Oregon and the relocated full Ironman Canada-Ottawa. Other early sell-outs for 2025 are Ironman Texas, Ironman 70.3 St. George, Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga, Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois and the every popular Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.

“We are thrilled to see so many Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races in the region sold out this early into the year,”  said Keats McGonigal, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, North America in a recent press release.

“We take a lot of pride in delivering life changing experiences and are privileged to have so many athletes coming to our races to realize their dreams and cross our finish lines. We look forward to celebrating with all our athletes in 2025.”

With the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois race, the return of Ironman70.3 Boise event and the Ironman Canada triathlon’s move to Ottawa, the brand does not appear to be slowing down.