Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley Returning With New 3-Year Contract

The Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley will continue through 2029 under a multi-year contract extension announced Wednesday.

The triathlon event drawing athletes from across the country and around the globe will return for its fifth year on Sunday, May 23, 2027, as part of a new three-year contract, according to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance.

“Hosting Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley is an incredible opportunity for the county and the region,” Eric Engelbarts, HVAB President and CEO, said in a statement. “As we continue building a reputation for endurance competitions that put us on the global stage, we are thrilled that this elite event will call Happy Valley home for the next three years.”

First held in 2023, Happy Valley’s half-Ironman (at 73.3 miles it is half the length of a full Ironman) involves a 1.2-mile swim in Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a 56-mile bike race and a 13.1-mile run through the Penn State campus.

For the second consecutive year, the 2027 event will serve as one of just 16 Ironman or Ironman 70.3 Pro Series races in the world. Broadcast on the Ironman Pro Series website, Ironman YouTube channel and other platforms, the Pro Series race offers global exposure for Centre County.

“We are incredibly proud that Happy Valley and State College have once again been selected to host an Experience Oman Ironman Pro Series event in 2027,” Scott Straugh, Regional Director for The Ironman Group, said. “This community has established itself as one of the premier destinations in our global race portfolio, offering a challenging and rewarding course that brings out the very best in professional athletes.”

Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley has consistently rated highly among participants and has welcomed between 1,100 and 2,000 athletes, with the highest total coming in its inaugural year.

Engelbarts said the late-May date for the 2027 event — a change from previous years when it was held between mid-June and early-July — is welcomed because the Happy Valley course is “viewed as ideal training” for athletes preparing to compete in the full Lake Placid Ironman later in the summer.

According to the HVAB, that means the 2027 edition has the potential to meet or eclipse this past year’s total of 1,800 competitors.

The races also happens with the support of about 1,000 volunteers each year.

“This event brings thousands of athletes, families and fans to our region, creating a powerful economic impact for our local businesses while showcasing Happy Valley as a premier sports tourism destination,” Engelbarts said. “The success of Ironman here couldn’t happen without the amazing support of local race directors, community volunteers and government and emergency services agencies in Centre and Clinton counties.”

Priority registration opens Sept. 15 and general registration opens Sept. 17 at ironman.com/races/im703-pennsylvania.

“As competitors chase valuable Ironman Pro Series points against the backdrop of one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful regions, they will also experience the unmatched support, energy and hospitality that make Happy Valley such a special place to race,” Straugh said. “We look forward to showcasing this incredible destination to athletes and fans from around the world once again.”