Ironman Launches Northern California Race in Redding

Ironman will launch of a new event in Northern California, the Ironman 70.3 Northern California triathlon. The inaugural race will be held August 16, 2026, with a scenic swim, bike and run course through Redding, California, and the surrounding Shasta Cascade region.

General registration for the new event opens on November 13.

Framed by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, Redding has 200 miles of trails, two major lakes and the Sacramento River running through the city.,

“We’re excited to bring an Ironman 70.3 triathlon to Redding in 2026,” said Tim Brosious, regional director for Ironman. “Redding is a gateway to adventure, with its iconic trails, lakes, and bridges. The city’s commitment to outdoor recreation and its welcoming community make it a perfect fit for an Ironman 70.3 event in this unique area of the country. We look forward to showcasing everything that makes Redding and Northern California a spectacular place to visit and race in.”

The race will begin with a sunrise 1.2-mile swim in Whiskeytown Lake. Athletes will then transition to a 56-mile bike course that winds through Shasta County before a 13.1-mile run course that will take them along the Sacramento River Trail, crossing the Sundial Bridge and looping through recently revitalized riverfront parks before finishing in downtown Redding.

“Ironman 70.3 Northern California aligns perfectly with our identity as an outdoor sports capital,” said Laurie Baker, CEO of Choose Redding Lodging, the host organization. “We are honored to partner with Ironman and look forward to the long-term national visibility this will bring to our lodging community and the greater Redding region.”

“Seeing Redding’s landscape highlighted on an international stage is beyond exciting,” said Danny Orloff, tourism marketing director with Visit Redding. “Bringing an Ironman 70.3 triathlon here is a dream come true for our community.”