10 years (at least) of Ironman racing in Waco

Last year Ironman announced that it would be adding a full-distance race in Waco, Texas to go along with the 70.3 event that’s been happening in the “heart of Texas” since 2018. The race appeared to be a way to appease some of the demand for full-distance entries – with most events being cancelled in 2020, most races were already full with deferral entries, so getting into an Ironman event was pretty much impossible if you hadn’t been entered for a race the year before.

While the full-distance event wasn’t big by Ironman standards, with about 900 registrants, there were 3,300 registered in the 70.3 race in Waco last year. The weekend of racing was obviously a big enough hit that Ironman and the Greater Waco Sports Commission have signed a seven-year extension, which means the weekend of half- and full-distance racing will continue there until 2028.

Ironman announces new venue for Ironman 70.3 Maine

“Creating this long-term partnership and building off of the first-ever Ironman festival weekend in North America is a valuable opportunity,” said Mike Vogelaar, Executive Director Greater Waco Sports Commission. “Partnering with Ironman is phenomenal and brings consistency, efficiency, and reliability for all involved.”

This year’s full-distance race is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15, with the 70.3 race taking place the next day. Both races feature a swim down the Brazos River and bike and run courses through the Texas countryside of rural Waco.

You can get more information at www.ironman.com/im-waco or www.ironman.com/im703-waco.