Happy Valley Ironman sees continued support, new course records in 3rd year

STATE COLLEGE, PA- Despite a rainy Father’s Day, more than 1,000 athletes and hundreds of cheering fans filled Penn State’s campus for the third annual Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley on June 15, 2025. The event challenged participants with a 70.3-mile course, starting with a 1.2-mile swim at Foster Sayers Reservoir, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run through campus.

Volunteers in bright pink shirts lined the course, offering water, snacks, and support. Spectators, some armed with cowbells and creative signs, braved the weather to cheer from key campus spots. The Ironman Village near Beaver Stadium kept energy high with music, food trucks, and last-minute gear.

This year introduced a professional women’s field, with Lydia Russell of Tucson, AZ, taking first place overall and setting a course record at 4:16:45. Drew Nesbitt of Lancaster recorded the fastest men’s time in event history at 4:18:51.

With Beaver Stadium under renovation, the finish line was moved to Curtin Road, but athletes still experienced the thrill of running through the stadium tunnel. State College mayor Ezra Nanes completed the race for the third year, earning him the nickname “Iron Mayor.”

As Ironman’s three-year contract with State College wraps up, organizers and fans alike are hopeful it will return—rain or shine.