CENTRE COUNTY — The 2024 Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards were recently announced, and Happy Valley’s race was recognized among the fan favorites.
The annual awards highlight the top Ironman and Ironman 70.3 competitions across the world, based on post-race surveys submitted by the athletes.
“These awards are a great way to recognize our incredible hosts, communities and team members who work tirelessly to create inspiring experiences that are worthy of the dedication our athletes demonstrate every day on their journey to the start line. We also hope that by showcasing fan favorites these awards will inspire athletes to experience a new race in a new location, or for first timers to get into this incredible sport,” Scott DeRue, chief executive officer for The Ironman Group, said in a statement.
“The award winners are a testament to the diversity of our events — whether you prefer racing in a city or being a little closer to nature in the mountains or countryside, there truly is something for everyone.”
In 2024, Happy Valley was ranked in third place in Overall Satisfaction for Ironman 70.3 races in North America. First in North America came the Ironman 70.3 Musselman in Geneva, New York and the Ironman 70.3 Ohio took second place.
The awards also recognized the top three 70. 3 races in other categories such as Most Recommended, Best Swim, Best Bike and Best Run.
The surveys sent to the athletes’ post-race were based on a five-point satisfaction scale in each of the categories. According to the Ironman Group, nearly 48,000 athletes gave feedback on the races during the 2024 season.
Happy Valley making the top three for Overall Event Satisfaction in North American Ironman 70.3 races comes as little surprise.
“The most beautiful countryside in Pennsylvania,” the Ironman Group said in a statement describing Happy Valley. “There are so many things to do in and near State College, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is how to fit it all in. Go explore and branch out to surrounding communities such as Bellefonte, Boalsburg or others to expand on your adventures. What is nice about the community is that you can be having lunch downtown one moment and within 20 minutes you could be out on a remote hiking trail or mountain bike adventure.”
From living history and the get outdoors to hometown pride and Penn State sports, Happy Valley has something for everyone. It’s no wonder the area and its race would rank high in Overall Satisfaction.
The 2025 Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley is expected to make more waves as the competitions continue to grow not only nationally, but worldwide.
According to the Ironman Group, nearly 200,000 athletes participated in the 2024 season. Among those athletes, Ironman has been seeing growing popularity among younger folks.
“The 30-34 age-group was the largest category for the first time, seeing an 8% increase from 2023, and the number of athletes under 30 years old registering for an Ironman triathlon saw a 25% increase year over year,” The Ironman Group explained.
“The United States of America had the most athletes race in the last year, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia.”
Additionally, these athletes are also traveling more than ever to compete, including to places like Happy Valley. Data from the Ironman Group in 2024 revealed that more than 70,000 athletes traveled more than 500 miles to get to the race.
Now, many athletes will be racing back to Happy Valley on Sunday, June 15, not only for the 2025 Ironman 70.3, but also for what the region has to offer.
