IRONMAN 70.3 Tri-Cities Places the Region on the National Stage
The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Tri-Cities attracted nearly 2,500 athletes and 7,500 visitors, boosting the local economy and showcasing the region’s scenic beauty. With a three-year agreement, the Tri-Cities will continue hosting the event in 2025 and 2026.
The event brought an estimated $7.0M-$7.5M in economic impact to the region, according to preliminary estimates from data collected by Gonzaga University. Nearly 2,500 athletes and over 7,500 visitors, including support staff and spectators, flocked to the area, boosting the local economy. The average length of stay per party extended over three nights, giving participants and visitors ample time to explore and enjoy the unique offerings of the Tri-Cities.
Spectators came out to support the athletes along the course; Athletes pictured in the swim portion of IRONMAN; With plenty of water, sunshine and trails, Washington’s Tri-Cities is an ideal destination for active travelers, Jennifer Comfort pictured in a previous race.
More than 1,000 volunteers stepped up to support the event, helping ensure its success. Visit Tri-Cities extends its heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, local agencies, and community leaders who made the event possible. “This incredible achievement could not have been realized without the dedication of our volunteers, who exemplify the spirit of hospitality that makes this region so special,” said Lewis.
The event, which drew participants from 18 countries, featured a challenging and scenic course, including a 1.2-mile downriver swim in the iconic Columbia River, a 56-mile bike ride through vineyards and rolling rural roads, and a 13.1-mile run along the serene riverfront and through beautiful parks.
“We appreciate the inspiration the athletes and visitors bring to our community,” said Lewis. “They experience firsthand the beauty of this place and the goodness of our people, and when they go, they take a part of us with them. The positive impressions will last a lifetime.”
Luke Tasker from Vancouver, Canada, was the overall winner, completing the triathlon in just under 3 hours and 53 minutes. Tasker’s impressive half-marathon time (the 13.1-mile run portion) clocked in at 1 hour and 18 minutes. Following closely behind was Scott Ludford in 2nd place and Ryan Lewis in 3rd. For the women, Haley Mennes from Burke, Virginia led the field with a total time of 4 hours and 32 minutes, while Lauren Courtly and Stacey Crawley took 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.
Those who missed this year’s event are in luck—this was just the first in a three-year agreement between Visit Tri-Cities and IRONMAN 70.3. The Tri-Cities will host the race again in September of 2025 and 2026, solidifying the region as a prime destination for athletes seeking a late-season “race-cation.”
“The athletes and visitors get to experience firsthand what makes this region special, from the beautiful views of the Columbia River to the welcoming nature of our community,” added Lewis. “The IRONMAN 70.3 is not just a race, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact on both our visitors and our residents.”
For more information about the area, visit www.visittri-cities.com.
About Visit Tri-Cities
Visit Tri-Cities has served as the official destination marketing and management organization (DMO) for the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Tri-Cities promotes and drives the Tri-Cities economy by increasing travel and tourism to the region. Through strategic sales and marketing, collaborative destination development, proactive community engagement and innovation, Visit Tri-Cities attracts conventions, sporting events, leisure, and business travelers to the destination to further enhance economic advancement. Our mission is to fuel transformational growth in the Tri-Cities through tourism.