IRONMAN Waco
IRONMAN 70.3 Waco on 4 October 2026 swims 1.9 km in the Brazos River, rides 90 km into rural Texas, and finishes at the Waco Suspension Bridge in the middle of town.
The river swim gives the race its character. It is flat, mild-current water, warm in early October, and the visibility is nil, so this suits people who are comfortable swimming on feel and sighting rather than following a line on the bottom.
The bike heads out of the city into flat farmland with long straight roads and very little shade. Texas wind is the variable, and on a course shaped like this it tends to be a factor in one direction for a long time.
Early October is the compromise date that makes Waco raceable at all. It is still warm by the time you run, and the exposure on the second half of the half marathon is real. Bring your own cooling plan rather than relying on the aid stations.
Who it's for
Built for experienced triathlon athletes.
Good fit if you…
- are experienced in triathlon and want a hard race
- want a well-known, high-status race
Maybe not if you…
- are brand-new to triathlon: start with something shorter
What should you know about IRONMAN Waco?
- Date
- Sunday, 4 October 2026
- Format
- Half / 70.3
- Water temp
- 22.8°C · 73°F
Need to know
When is IRONMAN Waco 2026?
IRONMAN Waco takes place on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Dates can move year to year, so confirm the exact day on the official race page before you book travel.
How do you register for IRONMAN Waco?
Where does IRONMAN Waco take place?
Waco, United States
FAQs
What do athletes ask about IRONMAN Waco?
Where is IRONMAN Waco held?
IRONMAN Waco is held in Waco, the United States. The race page has the venue location and a map, and links straight through to the official site for the precise start area.
What distances can you race at IRONMAN Waco?
IRONMAN Waco offers Half / 70.3. The Half / 70.3 is a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run. Pick your distance and enter on the official site. Each format usually has its own start wave and cut-offs.
How hard is IRONMAN Waco?
IRONMAN Waco is rated competitive (4/5) for difficulty on FindMyNextRace, based on its distance, terrain, and the level of the field. Use that as a guide and match it to your current fitness before you commit.
What's the water temperature at IRONMAN Waco?
The swim at IRONMAN Waco is around 22.8°C (73°F), based on the official average for the venue. Water temperature drives wetsuit rules, so check the organiser's current wetsuit policy before race day.
How do I enter IRONMAN Waco?
You enter IRONMAN Waco through the official organiser. Registration is handled on their site, and FindMyNextRace links you straight there. Places for popular editions can sell out early, so register as soon as entry opens.
Is IRONMAN Waco part of a race series?
Yes, IRONMAN Waco is part of the IRONMAN series. Series events often share a qualification, points, or championship pathway, so if you're chasing the series, check how this race fits its calendar.
How should I train for IRONMAN Waco?
Training for IRONMAN Waco depends on your target distance and current fitness. Most athletes follow a structured block of 12–20 weeks for a Half / 70.3 effort. Build a plan tailored to your race date and level with AI Training Plan (https://aitrainingplan.app).
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