The recent Ironman triathlon once again brought thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in spending to the Tri-Cities. With a new three-year agreement in place, the region can expect that economic boost each September through 2029.

Visit Tri-Cities announced Sept. 18 it reached a new agreement with The Ironman Group to continue hosting the annual race, which the community has hosted every September since 2024. 

The announcement came just days before this year’s triathlon, which covered 70.3 miles across Richland and West Richland. More than 2,100 athletes finished, according to Visit Tri-Cities. More than half of the competitors came from outside the state of Washington and many from more than 500 miles away.

The event generated between $6.5 million and $7.5 million in direct visitor spending, according to preliminary data analyzed by Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences. Nearly 80% of participants who responded to a survey about the event stayed in hotels, motels or vacation rentals, many staying for multiple nights.

And their visits included more than the Ironman competition; they shopped, dined and toured the region as well, officials said.

“Our community has embraced this event in an extraordinary way, and athletes have responded to everything that makes the Tri-Cities special – our river, our landscape and, most importantly, our people,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, in a statement. “Extending this partnership for another three years allows us to continue building on that momentum while bringing thousands of visitors to our region and generating meaningful economic impact for our community.” 

In addition to being a boon to the region, participants have highly rated the event. The Tri-Cities race was named best run course in the world and ranked No. 3 in both overall satisfaction and best swim course in North America in the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards. 

“Since the first Ironman 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities, this community has created an outstanding experience for our athletes,” said Tim Brosious, northwest regional director for The Ironman Group, in a statement. “From the Columbia River and scenic course to the incredible energy of volunteers and spectators, the Tri-Cities has quickly established itself as a special destination within the Ironman 70.3 series. We look forward to continuing to grow this event together.”