IRONMAN 70.3 Utah Comes to Orem: Aug. 21, 2027

News October 24, 2026 4 min read ✓ Updated October 24, 2026

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A new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon is coming to Utah County. IRONMAN 70.3 Utah debuts Saturday, Aug. 21, 2027, with a swim in Deer Creek Reservoir, a bike ride down Provo Canyon and a finish in Orem, the Daily Herald reported. It is the first IRONMAN-branded race hosted in Orem, KSL reported, and it qualifies athletes for the 2028 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.


Race	IRONMAN 70.3 Utah
Date	Saturday, Aug. 21, 2027
Swim	1.2 miles, Deer Creek Reservoir
Bike	56 miles, down Provo Canyon and through Utah Valley
Run	13.1 miles, finishing at Orem City Center Park
Qualifies for	2028 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship
Register	ironman.com/races/im703-utah

The course

According to the Daily Herald, athletes swim 1.2 miles in Deer Creek Reservoir, ride 56 miles down Provo Canyon and through Utah Valley to a transition at SCERA Park in Orem, then run 13.1 miles to the finish at Orem City Center Park. The Herald describes the run as an out-and-back on the Provo River Parkway Trail; KSL described it as running through Orem streets. The official course map on ironman.com will settle it.

Why Orem

"Few places offer the combination of natural beauty and community spirit found here in Utah County," Orem Mayor Karen McCandless said, the Herald reported. Todd Fitzgerald, the event's regional director, said Orem was chosen for its scenery, community backing and existing facilities. Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said the county is "thrilled to welcome IRONMAN to Utah County."

Orem spokesperson Pete Wolfley told KSL the city expects thousands of people over the next three years, with "estimated millions of dollars of economic benefit to the city."

If you want to race

Register early. Registration opens on the race page at ironman.com; dates and prices were not in the local reports. Heather Jenson, a Utah triathlete with eight half-IRONMAN races behind her, told KSL she expects it to sell out: "I'm setting like three alarms to be on there right when it opens."
Train locally. Our guides to running races, cycling clubs and group rides, running clubs and lap swimming pools cover where to build up to a 70.3.

If you live along the course

Road closures had not been announced as of Oct. 24, 2026. The bike leg runs down Provo Canyon, so watch for Orem City and UDOT announcements as August 2027 gets closer. We will update this story when the course map, closures and volunteer sign-ups are published.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is IRONMAN 70.3 Utah?

Saturday, Aug. 21, 2027, the Daily Herald reported. It is a new race and the first IRONMAN-branded event hosted in Orem, KSL reported.

What is the IRONMAN 70.3 Utah course?

A 1.2-mile swim in Deer Creek Reservoir, a 56-mile bike down Provo Canyon and through Utah Valley, and a 13.1-mile run finishing at Orem City Center Park, according to the Daily Herald. The Herald describes the run as an out-and-back on the Provo River Parkway Trail; KSL described it as through Orem streets. Check the official course map on ironman.com.

Does IRONMAN 70.3 Utah qualify for the world championship?

Yes. The Daily Herald reported that the race qualifies athletes for the 2028 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. The number of qualifying slots was not reported.

How do I register for IRONMAN 70.3 Utah?

Through the race page on ironman.com (ironman.com/races/im703-utah). Registration dates and prices were not in the local reports. One Utah triathlete told KSL she expects it to sell out quickly.

How far is a 70.3 triathlon?

70.3 miles in total: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run, which is why it is often called a half IRONMAN.

Will there be road closures for the IRONMAN in Provo Canyon?

Road closures had not been announced as of Oct. 24, 2026. The bike leg runs down Provo Canyon, so watch Orem City and UDOT announcements closer to August 2027.

Why did IRONMAN pick Orem?

Todd Fitzgerald, the regional director for the event, said Orem was chosen for its scenery, community backing and existing facilities, the Daily Herald reported. Orem's city spokesperson, Pete Wolfley, told KSL the race is expected to bring millions of dollars in economic benefit.

How can I volunteer or watch?

Volunteer sign-ups and spectator details had not been published as of Oct. 24, 2026. Organizers expect thousands of athletes, spectators and volunteers, KSL reported. The finish at Orem City Center Park and the Provo River Parkway are the natural places to watch.

Sources

The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.

IRONMAN world qualifying race coming to Orem next year, Daily Herald. Checked October 24, 2026.
Orem to host Ironman 70.3, drawing athletes and visitors to Utah County, KSL. Checked October 24, 2026.

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IRONMAN 70.3 Utah Is Coming to Orem and Provo Canyon on Aug. 21, 2027