It’s Official: IRONMAN 70.3 Is Coming to Ruidoso in July 2026
World-renowned triathlon series names Ruidoso as a host city for the first time.
RUIDOSO, NM – The Village of Ruidoso and IRONMAN have officially announced the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon will be coming to Ruidoso on Sunday, July 11-12, 2026. The endurance race—featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run—will bring athletes from around the world to southern New Mexico to compete amid the area’s mountain scenery and high-altitude challenges.
Ruidoso is the first New Mexico town to host an IRONMAN 70.3 event, which represents a half-distance version of the iconic full IRONMAN triathlon.
“We’re excited to further establish Ruidoso as a premier outdoor destination,” said Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. “The IRONMAN brand puts us on a global stage and offers a major boost to our local economy.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso is part of a broader effort to promote athletic tourism in the region and has already generated positive coverage for the Village across national and international platforms.
Race weekend will include athlete check-in, an IRONMAN Village expo, volunteer opportunities, and more. A full schedule of events will be posted as the race date approaches at www.discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events/ironman-703.
Those interested in viewing the official announcement can find a recording posted after the event on the Discover Ruidoso YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up to welcome the world to Ruidoso in 2026!
About IRONMAN 70.3®
The IRONMAN 70.3® triathlon, also known as a Half IRONMAN, is one of the most recognized endurance race formats in the world. The event consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run, totaling 70.3 miles of racing. Known for its challenging yet achievable format, IRONMAN 70.3 attracts elite athletes and ambitious amateurs alike from across the globe. Events are held in iconic destinations around the world, offering participants an unforgettable experience that combines physical endurance with scenic beauty and community spirit.
IRONMAN 70.3 races are organized by The IRONMAN Group, a global leader in mass participation sports.
