Ironman triathlon coming to Centre, Clinton counties

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Centre and Clinton counties next summer will be hosting the Ironman Triathlon, a one-day event set for July 2, 2023. The official name for the local long-distance swim-bike-run race is Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley Triathlon.

The race announcement was posted on Wednesday. Officials said the event is planned for a minimum three-year occurrence. It will start with a swim at Sayers reservoir near Blanchard and finish with an extended run through Penn State’s University Park campus, culminating at Beaver Stadium.

Drew Wolff, Ironman regional director, announced the Ironman visit to the area: “We are thrilled to bring the excitement of IRONMAN 70.3 racing to Central Pennsylvania and beautiful Centre and Clinton Counties, With the longstanding history that triathlon has in this region, we know our athletes will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful weather and friendly community here in State College.”

While route specifics have not yet been released, the Ironman organization posted general information:
Athletes will take on their race journey from a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a scenic 56-mile bike ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, culminating with a 13.1-mile run on the campus of Penn State University including a unique finish line experience for athletes inside Beaver Stadium, home to the Penn State University Nittany Lions.

Registration will open on Oct. 5. The triathlon is a qualifying event for the 2023 VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Finland.