Building tradition with Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley

By Danielle Blake (The Centre County Gazette) June 27, 2024 — After a successful run in 2023, the Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley Triathlon will make a comeback to Centre County on Sunday, June 30, as part of a three-year contract with just one year remaining.

However, if Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley continues to see major success and participation in the area, it could soon become an annual tradition in the area.

“As we approach year two of a three-year commitment, the HVAB and the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance are hopeful that Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley become a mainstay of the summer calendar in Centre County,” Fritz Smith, the president and CEO of Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, said.

But what is an Ironman race?

The Ironman Triathlon is a series of long-distance triathlon races around the globe, organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. A traditional Ironman race differs from an Ironman 70.3, with the latter also referred to as a Half Ironman. The WTC officially introduced the 70.3 race series in 2005. However, the first branded Half Ironman took place in the United Kingdom in 2001.

An Ironman 70.3 consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run, which adds up to 70.3 miles in total race distance. Each race segment is half the distance in an Ironman Triathlon. A full Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.22-mile run.

There is an Ironman 70.3 World Championship that athletes can qualify for by competing in other qualifying 70.3 races 12 months before the World Championship. Various professional triathletes earn points that go towards their “pro ranking,” with the athlete’s five highest scoring rankings counting towards the pro rankings. The top 50 men and 35 women qualify for the championship race based on their pro rankings.

The popularity of the Half Ironman races took off after 2006. According to data from USA Triathlon, the series grew from 14 qualification events after 2006 to more than 60 over the course of just seven years. Furthermore, the 2016 championship series for the 70.3 saw the biggest growth in qualifying events after one year.

While the 70.3 Championships were held in Clearwater, Florida every year from 2006 to 2011 and in Nevada from 2011 to 2013, as of 2014, the championship race is held in different locations each year. The 2024 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will be in Taupō, New Zealand, the first time the championship has been held in the country. This also differs from the traditional Ironman World Championship which has been held in Hawaii since 1978, at least until 2023. As of 2023, the Ironman World Championship men’s and women’s races will alternate between Hawaii and France each year.

According to a timeline from USA Triathlon in 2013, the idea for the original Ironman came when a U.S. Navy Commander, John Collins, challenged those gathered at the O’ahu Perimeter Relay award ceremony in 1977 after competitors began discussing which athletes were the most fit — runners, swimmers or cyclists. Collins challenge is what is now known as the Ironman Triathlon, a race that combines three already existing long-distance competitions.

The event for the first official Ironman was approved in a 1978 sanction by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division, calling it the “Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon.” The original sanction packet noted, “this event should be considered a personal challenge as opposed to a competition. The purpose is to finish without personal injury and without disruption or inconvenience to the public. Safely completing this grueling challenge requires a combination of specific skills and excellent overall physical condition.”

Athletes all over the world have continued to take on the challenge of the Ironman and the Ironman 70.3 for decades to come. The event has expanded beyond the Hawaiian Islands across the globe, even making its way to the Happy Valley with a 70.3 race.

“Bringing Ironman to Happy Valley — a process that started more than three years ago — was a profile in multi-agency and multi-county cooperation. That success is the result of a tremendous community and university support, and that of nearly 34 local and state agencies, municipalities and emergency services personnel in Centre and Clinton counties. It was a wonderful feeling to see the inaugural event come to fruition, and to be gearing up for Ironman’s return,” Smith noted.

As of Friday, June 14, there are 1,600 registered athletes from 12 countries, 41 states and 813 cities, with registration still open.

“Ironman will bring thousands of visitors to the county prior to, during and after the triathlon. We are excited to show these special guests the full extent of Happy Valley hospitality. Centre County has a tremendous opportunity to put Happy Valley’s best foot forward before elite athletes, their families and supporters,” Smith said.

“Volunteers are essential to a successful event. Last year’s volunteer turnout was amazing. However, it is still a big need heading into Ironman weekend. I encourage individuals, families and organizations to volunteer. There are plenty of roles to fill, and it is a great way to experience the event,” Smith emphasized.