AUGUSTA – The Kennebec Valley will welcome the IRONMAN 70.3 Maine triathlon on July 25-27 for its fourth consecutive year. The world-renowned event is expected to bring more than 5,000 people from around the globe to Augusta and the surrounding communities.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Maine event has made a significant economic impact on the region over the past three years, and brought nearly $12 million to the local economy. Since the globally-recognized event debuted in Augusta in 2022, it has brought 14,739 visitors from 26 countries and 49 states to the region, reinforcing the Kennebec Valley’s status as a top-tier destination in Maine.
“Our partnership with IRONMAN has been a tremendous success, contributing not only to the economic growth of our region but also in showcasing the Kennebec Valley as an ideal place for world-class events,” said Katie Doherty, president and chief executive officer of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to continuing this momentum for this year’s event, and in the years to come.”
She added that 98 percent of event participants traveled from outside Kennebec County. Athletes typically travel with two or three supporters and spend an average of three nights in the region, resulting in a significant economic boost for local hotels, shops, restaurants and other small businesses.
Sheila Brennan Nee, strategic director for the Maine Sports Commission, said that the success of the IRONMAN 70.3 Maine event has proven the powerful potential for sporting events to bring a lasting economic boost to Maine communities.
“We applaud the businesses and community organizations in the region for embracing this opportunity,” Brennan Nee said. “Events like the IRONMAN 70.3 introduce Maine to people who might not have thought of visiting otherwise, and we often see athletes and families return to stay in our state, amplifying Maine as a four-season destination.”
After the IRONMAN 70.3 Maine event transitioned from its original location of Old Orchard Beach, the Maine Sports Commission and Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce teamed up to keep IRONMAN in Maine. The event has grown each year, and IRONMAN recently extended its partnership with the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce through 2027. Last year’s edition of the event also set a new milestone, recording the fastest swim time of any professional race at an IRONMAN 70.3 event in North America, further establishing Augusta’s prominence in the triathlon world.
Ryan Jarrell, race director for IRONMAN 70.3 Maine, noted that in addition to providing a fast swim, as well as scenic bike and run courses, Augusta offers exceptional community support, convenient venue access with easy parking and smooth logistics for athletes and spectators, plus a charming atmosphere that showcases Maine’s beauty and character. “IRONMAN is super excited to be in Maine again this year,” Jarrell said.
The course for the IRONMAN 70.3 Maine triathlon begins with a downriver 1.2-mile point-to-point swim in the Kennebec River. Athletes transition near the Maine Capitol building to the 56-mile bike leg, which runs along lush tree-lined streets with rolling hills that ends in the Capitol area. The 13.1-mile run traverses the Kennebec River Rail Trail, Augusta and the surrounding communities.
This year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Maine event kicks off with athlete check-in at 2 p.m. Friday, Juy. 25, followed by a welcome party at 7 p.m. and fireworks show at 9 p.m. hosted by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and City of Augusta. Events continue into Sunday until the award ceremony at 4 p.m.
More information can be found at ironman.com/races/im703-maine.
For more information on the IRONMAN® brand and IRONMAN 70.3® brands and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Media related inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering economic growth and community development in the Kennebec Valley region. Through initiatives like IRONMAN 70.3 Maine, the Chamber enhances the quality of life by supporting businesses, creating networking opportunities, and promoting the area as a dynamic place to live, work, and play.
Maine Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization that works to advance, elevate, and promote Maine as a four-season sports destination, strengthening the state through sports tourism, encouraging healthy active lifestyles for all.
