11/02/2025
IRONMAN, the global leader in long-distance triathlon, has announced the launch of a new event in Northern California with the addition of the IRONMANÂŽ 70.3ÂŽ Northern California triathlon. The inaugural race is set to take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with a scenic swim, bike, and run course that will guide athletes through the heart of Redding and the surrounding Shasta Cascade region.
Framed by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, Redding sits at the heart of Northern California adventure. With 200 miles of trails, two major lakes, and the Sacramento River running through town, itâs a natural training ground for athletes who thrive outdoors. The cityâs strong recreation culture and welcoming community make it an ideal location for the newest IRONMAN 70.3 event. General registration for the new event opens on Nov. 13, 2025, at www.ironman.com/races/im703-northern-california.
âWeâre excited to bring an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to Redding in 2026,â said Tim Brosious, Regional Director for IRONMAN. âRedding is a gateway to adventure, with its iconic trails, lakes, and bridges. The cityâs commitment to outdoor recreation and its welcoming community make it a perfect fit for an IRONMAN 70.3 event in this unique area of the country. We look forward to showcasing everything that makes Redding and Northern California a spectacular place to visit and race in.â
âBringing IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California to Redding is more than just hosting a world-class athletic event â itâs a powerful affirmation of our cityâs momentum,â said Steve Bade, Interim Redding City Manager. âRedding is ready to showcase our riverfront, our trail systems, and our exceptional hospitality on a global stage. Weâre proud to welcome athletes, families, and fans from around the world.â
âIRONMAN 70.3 Northern California aligns perfectly with our identity as an outdoor sports capital,â said Laurie Baker, CEO of Choose Redding Lodging the host organization. âWe are honored to partner with IRONMAN and look forward to the long-term national visibility this will bring to our lodging community and the greater Redding region.â
âSeeing Reddingâs landscape highlighted on an international stage is beyond exciting. Bringing an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon here is a dream come true for our community,â said Danny Orloff, Tourism Marketing Director with Visit Redding. âWith world-class terrain and genuine hospitality, Redding is ready to shine. We canât wait to welcome every racer and their families to experience the beauty, energy, and adventure that make Redding so special.â
About the Course: The IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California triathlon will begin with a sunrise 1.2-mile swim in the tranquil waters of Whiskeytown Lake, surrounded by forested hills and clear skies. Athletes will then transition to a 56-mile bike course that winds through scenic Shasta County, featuring rolling terrain, panoramic views, and smooth roads ideal for fast racing due to the net elevation loss across the course. The 13.1-mile run course will take athletes along the Sacramento River Trail, crossing the iconic Sundial Bridge and looping through recently revitalized riverfront parks before culminating in an unforgettable finish line experience near the heart of Reddingâs vibrant downtown.
The 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon.
For more information on the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California triathlon, please visit www.ironman.com/races/im703-northern-california. Athlete inquiries may be directed to northerncalifornia70.3@ironman.com.
To learn more about the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 brands and series of events, please visit www.ironman.com. Media inquiries may be directed to press@ironman.com.
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About Choose Redding Lodging
Choose Redding Lodging is the marketing organization funded directly by Reddingâs lodging properties, and our sole purpose is to attract major group events. We are proud to work alongside the City of Redding and community partners to welcome large-scale events that align with our identity as Northern Californiaâs premier outdoor sports destination. For group organizers to see what Redding has to offer, visit www.ChooseRedding.com. To get personal assistance with your next group event, contact Tim Bauer, Tim@ChooseRedding.com.
About Visit Redding
Visit Redding is the official destination marketing organization for Redding, California â the Trail Capital of California and the ultimate basecamp for outdoor adventure. With more than 200 miles of trails, five national and recreation areas, six state parks, and the iconic Sundial Bridge spanning the Sacramento River, Redding invites travelers to explore a region where mountains, lakes, and culture meet. From world-class outdoor recreation to local coffee, craft beer, and art, Visit Redding inspires visitors to stay, play, and discover the best of Northern California. For more information, visit https://visitredding.com/.
About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group is the worldâs largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMANÂŽ Triathlon Series, the IRONMANÂŽ 70.3ÂŽ Triathlon Series, 5150ÂŽ Triathlon Series, IRONKIDSÂŽ, premier running events including the Rock ânâ RollÂŽ Running Series, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon⢠and City2SurfÂŽ, the UTMBÂŽ World Series of trail running, the Epic Series⢠of mountain biking including the Absa Cape EpicÂŽ, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMANÂŽ brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLEÂŽ by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawaiâi, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.
