IRONMAN, in conjunction with Travel Salem and Sport Oregon, announced today that Salem, Oregon, will serve as the newest host venue for an IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon. The inaugural IRONMAN® 70.3® Oregon event will take place on Sunday, July 25, 2021, with general registration opening on Monday, April 12 at www.ironman.com/im703-oregon.
“We feel that Salem offers the perfect destination to bring the first IRONMAN 70.3 event to the beautiful state of Oregon,” said Dave Christen, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group. “We've had hopes of bringing an IRONMAN branded event to this region for a while now. Offering the race in July during the prime season for racing in the Pacific Northwest, creates an incredible opportunity for people to #exploregon. We are thrilled to call Salem home for this new event for years to come.”
“Travel Salem and the Salem Area Sports Commission are thrilled to welcome IRONMAN to our city,” said Angie Onyewuchi, Travel Salem CEO. “Hosting one of the world’s most prestigious and respected sporting events helps solidify Salem as the Sports Capital of Oregon. We look forward to breathing life back into the tourism economy post COVID with the infusion of more than $11 million in estimated economic impact while showcasing our region’s natural beauty and premier recreational assets to the visiting athletes and their families.”
Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon and the county seat of Marion County, Salem is situated in the center of the Willamette Valley and on the Willamette River. As the second-largest city in the state, only an hour’s driving distance away from Portland, Salem’s pristine summer weather and outdoor amenities provide the ideal sporting destination.
“Bringing this internationally recognized event to Oregon is a strategic investment that highlights Oregon’s rich athletic history and community while also driving safe travel and inspiring future trips to Oregon as part of our road to economic recovery,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon.
With course announcements soon to come, participants can expect a down-river swim, a scenic bike through the wine country surrounding the city, and a picturesque run along the river and near the downtown center. This beginner-friendly race will prove to be the perfect place for athletes and families to plan an Oregon adventure.
“Oregon’s Willamette Valley is thrilled to host the world-famous IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon in 2021,” said Dawnielle Tehama, Executive Director of Willamette Valley Visitors Association. “We are looking forward to safely inviting athletes and travelers alike back to the region. An event of this magnitude will have such a positive impact on Salem and the broader valley, not only stimulating the economy, but also by reinvigorating our restaurants, businesses and communities.”
“There’s no better place to hold a world-class endurance event than Oregon,” said Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel. “IRONMAN has proven to be the best in the business, and we’re absolutely thrilled they will be calling Salem ‘home’ for the next three years, and hopefully beyond. Our statewide, regional, and local partners stepped up in a big way to make this happen, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience an IRONMAN event here in Oregon.”
General registration for the inaugural 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon triathlon will open Monday, April 12, 2021. The event will offer qualifying slots to the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in St George, Utah
For more information on the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon triathlon, visit www.ironman.com/im703-oregon. For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Athlete inquiries can be directed to oregon70.3@ironman.com. Media related inquiries may be directed to press@ironman.com.