Published February 3, 2026 06:00AM
Triathlete’s 2026 Guide to the Top Ironman 70.3 and Half-Distance Races
Looking to race a half-iron - or 70.3 - triathlon this year? We rounded up everything from long-standing community favorites to inaugural branded races to bring you the best in the U.S.
The best Ironman 70.3 and half-distance races of 2026. (Photo: Triathlete)
Best half-distance/70.3 races in the U.S.
One of the most popular triathlon distances, the 70.3 (aka the half-iron or “half distance” triathlon), is a worthy challenge without the intimidation of a full Ironman. It’s the perfect introduction to the world of long-course racing, with average finish times ranging from 5-7 hours.
A half-iron race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run, for a grand total of 70.3 miles, hence the name. It’s exactly half the distance of a full Ironman, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking a 70.3 is half the challenge. This distance requires endurance, the ability to pace your effort, and a targeted fueling strategy.
Read on for 16 top half-distance triathlons to choose from in 2026.
Best half-iron triathlons in the Northeast
Ironman 70.3 Eagleman
June 14, 2026
Cambridge, Maryland
There are several Ironman 70.3 races to choose from in the Northeast, including 70.3 Musselman, Maine, Western Massachusetts, New York, or across the border at Mont-Tremblant and Muskoka. We chose to highlight 70.3 Eagleman because of its small-town feel, rich triathlon history, and similarity to the popular Ironman Maryland course.
The 1.2-mile swim takes place in the brackish (saltwater/freshwater) Choptank River. Athletes swim against the current on the outbound leg and with the current on the inbound leg. The 56-mile bike course is pancake flat through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge with 330 feet of gain. The 13.1-mile run is also flat through the residential streets of Cambridge with a new loop through the Algonquin neighborhood.
Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley
June 14, 2026
State College, Pennsylvania
Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley might be a newer race on the Ironman calendar (since 2023), but it’s already been voted as one of the best races in North America in the 2024 Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards. In fact, in 2026, it was selected to host the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship. That means there will be a pro race with a prize purse and more age-group qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
The course consists of a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a rolling bike ride through Centre and Clinton counties, and a revamped run course through Penn State University campus with a finish line at Beaver Stadium.
With a scenic course, added qualifying slots, and favorable weather (typically a high of 69 degrees F and low of 57 degrees), this event is a top pick on the Ironman calendar for 2026.
Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon
June 27, 2026
Tupper Lake, New York
Celebrating its 44th anniversary this year, Tinman is one of the longest running triathlons in the U.S. It offers five different distances, including Tinman, Olympic, sprint, aquabike, and relay. The Tinman is a typical half-distance triathlon with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.
Tupper Lake is in the Adirondacks, so expect stunning views and a challenging course. The swim course has a rectangular design in Tupper Lake. The bike is hilly with 2,842 feet of elevation gain. The run is on the flatter side with 446 feet of gain.
If you’re looking for a half with a more home-grown feel, this is a great option. Tupper Lake Triathlon sees a lot of support with over 400 locals showing up to volunteer each year.
With the timing in June, many athletes use this race as a tune-up for Ironman Lake Placid in July. At $160 for early registration and $220 for final tier 3, it’s a bargain.
White Mountains Triathlon
June 27, 2026
Fraconia, New Hampshire
White Mountains Triathlon is held in beautiful Franconia State Park at the base of Cannon Mountain. It’s a multi-distance event with a sprint, Olympic, and half.
The half-distance swim is a two-lap rectangular design in pristine Echo Lake surrounded by mountains. The water temperature in June is typically in the low 60s, so the swim is wetsuit mandatory.
The bike course is picturesque with a section through White Mountains and along the Wild Ammonoosuc River. The ride begins with a 3-mile descent at 10% grade on the way toward Fraconia Village. There’s a King of the Mountains Challenge at mile 52 on the climb up Route 141/Butterhill Road for 1 mile. Elevation gain for the bike course is 3,674 feet.
The run course has been changed so it’s not as hilly as in previous years. It runs along the paved recreational trails of Franconia Notch State Park with great views of the mountains, finishing on Echo Lake Beach. The run course is four loops, totaling 11.81 miles with 887 feet of gain, so not quite a complete half-distance triathlon.
Best half-iron triathlons in the South
Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast
May 9, 2026
Panama City Beach, Florida
One of the oldest races on the North American Ironman circuit (over 42 years), 70.3 Gulf Coast is a top pick for many athletes in the South due to its location at the popular Florida panhandle vacation destination Panama City Beach.
The swim is one lap in the buoyant saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. The ocean can be unpredictable with waves and currents, or it might be perfectly calm. The swim was canceled in 2025, but it’s only been canceled three times in four decades, so it has a pretty good track record.
The trade-off with racing at the beach is you get a fast bike along the intercoastal waterways into Pine Log State Forest. The bike course ranges from flat to rolling. The run is three laps on a flatter than flat course along beachside hotels. Make sure you’re aware of one important thing: This race will be hot and humid, so prepare your pacing and fueling strategy accordingly.
White Lake Pro-Am Half Triathlon
May 2, 2026
White Lake, North Carolina
White Lake Triathlon is a historic event held at Goldston’s Beach in North Carolina. On May 2, there’s the half with a pro race, age-group race, relay, and aquabike. Then, on day 2, there’s a sprint and international triathlon.
The swim consists of two laps on a 970-meter triangular course – with an Aussie exit – in the clear waters of White Lake. The two-loop bike course is flat and fast. The flat run course has a double out-and-back design along the lake. Known as a very fast half-distance triathlon, you can celebrate your PR with an iconic photo on Goldston’s Pier.
Ironman 70.3 Augusta
Sept. 27, 2026
Augusta, Georgia
The highlight of this course in northeast Georgia is a blazing fast swim downstream in the Savannah River. You’re literally out of the water before you know it. Swim staging begins in the GreenJacket minor league baseball stadium, so you get to use real bathrooms pre-race!
The bike is described as rolling to hilly with six longer climbs and fast descents. The run is rolling as well, but there’s a new course that debuted in 2025 with the majority traveling along the shaded North Augusta Greeneway Trail, so that helps somewhat with the Southern heat.
Ironman 70.3 Dallas – Little Elm
March 15, 2026
Dallas, Texas
This race is on the list for your future planning because it takes place in March and is already sold out. 2026 is the inaugural event, so no one knows quite what to expect just yet, but here are the details.
The swim is one lap in Lewisville Lake starting and finishing at Little Elm Beach. The swim is expected to be cold (54-60 degrees F). The bike is on rural two-lane roads with 1,199 feet of gain, and race organizers have promised there’s no chip seal! The run is three laps on the hard-packed, crushed gravel of the Little Elm Trail System.
Best half-iron triathlons in the Midwest
Ironman 70.3 Omaha
June 7, 2026
Omaha, Nebraska
With a lake swim, rolling bike, and rolling run, 70.3 Omaha is a brand-new race on the Ironman calendar for 2026. The one-lap swim will take place in the calm reservoir of Lake Cunningham. The bike is expected to have rolling hills through farmland with some “challenging climbs” and “peaceful and fast descents.”
The run consists of two laps on paved trails along the Missouri River and over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Athletes will head into Council Bluffs and run past Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park before crossing the bridge once again on the way toward a downtown finish line.
Grand Rapids Triathlon
June 7, 2026
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Huntington Bank Grand Rapids Triathlon is one of Michigan’s largest triathlons with 1,107 athletes from 25 different states having competed in 2025. There are multiple distances, including a super sprint, sprint, Olympic, two duathlons, and a half.
The swim is one lap in the Thornapple River. The bike course is an out-and-back on country roads with 1,295 feet of elevation gain. The run is two laps with 396 feet of gain on shaded roads.
Known as a very beginner-friendly course, Grand Rapids Triathlon has a free virtual clinic in February, as well as a practice swim on June 1. Over 27% of participants are first-timers, and you can spot them out on course because they will be wearing a green wristband. In the past, post-race food has included Papa K’s pizza, Country Fresh ice cream, and a beer tent.
Ironman 70.3 Ohio
July 16, 2026
Sandusky, Ohio
A lake swim, flat bike, and rolling run await athletes at this top-rated triathlon. It has been awarded with designations including best race, best bike, and top recommended race in North America.
The swim course is unique because you jump off the Kelleys Island Ferry, named “The Carlee Emily,” into Sandusky Bay for a one-lap swim. The bike course is also one lap with 790 feet of gain through rural farmland. The two-lap run starts at Paper District Marina and goes downtown. The course is flat with 130 feet of gain.
Ironman 70.3 Michigan
Sept. 20, 2026
Frankfort, Michigan
If you’re looking at 70.3 Michigan, know there’s a high likelihood this race will sell out. It’s among the most recommended races and best bike courses globally and in North America.
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the swim is on the chilly side at 65 degrees F in Betsie Bay. The bike course travels along Highway M-22 into Benzie County. It’s mostly flat with some rollers and nice views of Crystal Lake. Elevation gain is 1,222 feet. The run is two out-and-back loops on paved trails around Betsie Bay with 108 feet of gain.
Best half-iron triathlons in the West
Harvest Moon Long Course Triathlon
May 31, 2026
Boulder, Colorado
The Harvest Moon Long Course Triathlon will celebrate its 27th edition in 2026. It takes place at the Boulder Reservoir and is a favorite among Colorado athletes. This multi-distance event offers Colorado’s only long-course duathlon and an aquabike, as well as an Olympic and a sprint (new in 2026).
The swim consists of a 1.2-mile rectangular course in the reservoir with a rolling start and waves that begin 2-3 minutes apart. The rolling bike course is two laps. The three-lap run has an out-and-back design on dirt roads and trails that run along the Rez.
Self-described as Colorado’s “longest running and most affordable long-course triathlon,” the price for the half was $180 back in November, $210 through March 1, and $230 through May 31.
Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso
July 12, 2025
Ruidoso, New Mexico
Another inaugural event on the Ironman calendar this year is 70.3 Ruidoso. Although it’s new to Ironman, Ruidoso has been a very popular location for XTERRA races with the extensive trail system around beautiful Grindstone Lake. That’s where your journey begins with a two-lap swim in the cool, clear water.
70.3 Ruidoso is meant to be a replacement for the St. George course, so you should expect a challenge. Ruidoso sits at elevations ranging from 6,400 feet in the valley of Rio Ruidoso to over 7,700 feet near Alto, so knowing how to pace yourself at altitude will be essential.
The bike course is an out-and-back to Hondo with 2,441 feet of gain. The two-lap run is hilly with 1,679 feet of gain. The run course goes through mountain villages, so watch out for horses, deer, and elk!
Ironman 70.3 Oregon
July 19, 2026
Salem, Oregon
General registration is sold out for this popular race in Salem, Oregon, but there are special entries still available. 70.3 Oregon is a top-rated run course globally and one of the most recommended races in North America.
The course is very beautiful with a river swim and a flat bike and run. The swim is downstream in the Willamette River with a point-to-point design starting at Minto Brown Island Park and finishing at Riverfront Park.
The bike is mostly flat with a few rollers and travels primarily along the river. The course has 1,315 feet of gain. The run is flat and scenic along the river and through the Minto Island Conservation Area with 192 feet of gain.
Ironman 70.3 Northern California
Aug. 16, 2026
Redding, California
This is the first year for 70.3 Northern California as well, and the course looks beautiful, centered around the Sacramento River.
The swim is one lap with a rectangular design in Whiskeytown Lake. Water temperature is predicted to be around 76 degrees F, so right on the edge of being wetsuit legal.
The bike course in Shasta County is said to have rolling hills and incredible views with 2,530 feet of gain. The run goes along the river, over the Sundial Bridge, and around Turtle Bay Exploration Park with 298 feet of gain. Race-day temperatures are expected to range from 71-95 degrees, so this may be a warm one.
The half distance is the perfect entry point into long-course triathlon. It’s a bucket-list goal for many and, for others, it’s an opportunity to push the boundaries of their speed and stamina. From historic races over 40 years in the making to inaugural events with exciting new courses, there are more opportunities than ever for triathletes in the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a non-branded half with a hometown feel or an Ironman 70.3 with all the bells and whistles, your next race is on this list of the top 16 half-distance triathlons in North America.
Looking for more half distance races? Check out the 2025 list of the best half-iron/70.3 triathlons in the U.S.