It’s not even 2026, and already 33 Ironman-brand events have sold out for the season ahead, alongside one of the sport’s most popular races, Challenge Roth, and even the T100 Gold Coast stop on the T100 Triathlon World Tour.
The demand is real, but it’s not too late to secure a spot at some of our favourite events. You’ll just want to act soon to avoid missing your chance!
Some Favourite Ironman Events to Consider
Ironman 70.3 Oceanside: The first North American Pro Series race of the season, Oceanside, historically sells out every year, often well in advance of race day. Over the years, many professionals have referred to it as the most competitive 70.3 outside of the World Championships. That depth of field, paired with the stunning literal oceanside setting, has made this race a top priority for age-group athletes as well.
Fortunately, general registration is still available – but this is not one to wait on.
Ironman Texas North American Championship: General registration for Ironman Texas is already 90% sold out. As a Pro Series event and the North American Championship, it offers age-group athletes the rare opportunity to race the full distance alongside many of the sport’s top professionals. It is also known for its flat, lightning-fast bike course!
If this race is on your 2026 shortlist, it’s one you won’t want to delay on.
Ironman 70.3 Oregon: General registration is already sold out, but limited special registration options are still available. This race remains one of the most popular choices for athletes chasing a personal best. The course is widely regarded as one of the fastest on the circuit, with a downriver swim that can be especially appealing for athletes looking for every possible advantage.
If 2026 is the year you’re targeting a breakthrough 70.3 performance, this may be your final opportunity to get on the start line.
Ironman Lake Placid: Lake Placid is another North American Pro Series event that historically sells out, renowned for its stunning Adirondack scenery, historic Olympic sites, and famously challenging, hilly terrain. The course is globally acclaimed and has consistently earned high marks for overall satisfaction in the Athlete’s Choice Awards.
For athletes seeking a classic Ironman experience that rewards strength, pacing, and resilience over pure speed, Lake Placid remains one of the most respected races on the calendar.
Ironman Canada-Ottawa: The inaugural edition of Ironman Canada-Ottawa in 2025 sold out rapidly, signaling strong demand for the race’s return. While general registration is still available for 2026, spots are expected to move quickly.
Ottawa also represents the final North American opportunity to qualify for Kona and is currently Canada’s only full-distance Ironman, making it a particularly compelling option for athletes looking to race at home while competing for World Championship slots.
*A Note on Nice: In 2026, the Ironman 70.3 World Championships will be held in Nice – an iconic course that also hosted the full-distance Ironman World Championship from 2023 to 2025. For many athletes, this venue sits firmly on the bucket list.
If you haven’t qualified for the World Championship event, keep the regular-season Ironman 70.3 Nice or Ironman France (the full-distance version) on your radar for 2027. Both 2026 editions have already sold out, underscoring just how high demand remains for this historic course.
Challenge Family and T100
Challenge Family continues to expand its global footprint, with 35 races scheduled for 2026. While its most iconic event, Challenge Roth, is already sold out for 2026, the series is growing its presence in Canada in meaningful ways. Challenge Quebec will introduce a full-distance race in 2026, with 200 Challenge Roth slots allocated to athletes competing in the full distance. Challenge Montreal also offers a range of formats up to the middle distance, and will provide Challenge Roth lottery slots to athletes racing the middle distance.
Momentum is also building behind the T100 Triathlon World Tour, which now includes 100km age-group racing at select stops on the calendar. In 2026, those opportunities include the Gold Coast, Singapore, Spain, London, Vancouver, and Dubai – though the Gold Coast event has already sold out. For Canadian athletes, Vancouver T100 stands out as a rare opportunity to race the format at home while watching the sport’s top professional women compete.
The post Planning Your 2026 Triathlon Season? These Races Are Filling Fast appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.