With just two IRONMAN 70.3 events under its belt, the Tri-Cities is running away with the praise of the triathlon competition’s participants. 

The Tri-Cities race was named best run course in the world in the recent IRONMAN Athletes’ Choice Awards, according to a release. The event also came in at No. 3 in overall satisfaction and No. 3 for best swim course. There are more than 114 IRONMAN events globally each year. 

“Recognition like this positions the Tri-Cities on a global stage,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, in a statement. “Athletes are telling the world that this race delivers and that has lasting impact for our community.” 

The awards are determined by survey feedback from 30,000 event participants. Athletes praised the scenic views and supportive community that rallies around the Tri-Cities run course, which follows the paved riverfront trails along the Columbia River before ending at Columbia Point Park in Richland. The swim course, which takes place in the Columbia, was celebrated for its smooth flow and athlete-friendly conditions. 

Other top winners in the choice awards were outside the United State and largely outside North America. 

The IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities event first took place in the fall of 2024. Organizers have said the event has attracted 10,000 attendees and injected a reported $7 million into the region’s economy each year for the past two years.  

The 2026 event is scheduled to be held on Sept. 20.