IRONMAN announced today that State College, Pennsylvania and the Happy Valley will play host to the newest IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon. The inaugural IRONMAN® 70.3® Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon is schedule to debut on July 2, 2023. Athletes will take on their race journey touching some iconic areas such as Bald Eagle State Park, Centre and Clinton Counties and the Penn State University Campus, including an epic finish at Beaver Stadium. General registration for the IRONMAN® 70.3® Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon will open on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022 at www.ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of IRONMAN 70.3 racing to Central Pennsylvania and beautiful Centre and Clinton Counties,” said Drew Wolff, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group. “With the longstanding history that triathlon has in this region, we know our athletes will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful weather and friendly community here in State College.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley will treat athletes to a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a scenic 56-mile bike ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, culminating with a 13.1-mile run on the campus of Penn State University including a unique finish line experience for athletes inside Beaver Stadium, home to the Penn State University Nittany Lions.
“On behalf of all of the communities and valleys that comprise our beautiful Happy Valley, PA, we are thrilled to welcome IRONMAN to the heart of Pennsylvania,” said Happy Valley Adventure Bureau President and CEO Fritz Smith. “Our pristine waters, picturesque ridges and valleys, old growth forests and bucolic farmland provide a wonderful setting for this popular endurance event.”
“Outdoor adventure abounds in Happy Valley; it is why so many people choose to live here and visit here. It is only fitting that we play host to the thousands of world-class athletes who will compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon,” added Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance Chair Joe Battista. “We are confident that participants and their families and friends will experience the best of Happy Valley hospitality as they enjoy our fantastic dining scene, shops and lodging accommodations during their time here.”
Located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, Centre County is home to Penn State University. The picturesque scenery of Pennsylvania is easily accessible by just a few hours' drive or a short flight. Head to Penns Valley and Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park for a boat ride tour through America’s ONLY All-Water Cavern & Farm-Nature-Wildlife Park! Be sure to stop in at the American Philatelic Center, for a free tour, at the largest stamp collecting facility in the world. This region offers visitors and locals alike plenty to do year-round, everything from concerts, historic site tours and museums, exploring the trails, fishing, and boating in the area’s many lakes and rivers. Whatever one’s definition of adventure is, it can be found in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.
General registration for the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon will open Thursday, October 5, 2022. The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland
For more information about the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon www.ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania. For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, please visit www.ironman.com.