IRONMAN announced today that it will host the first IRONMAN® branded event in the state of New Mexico with the IRONMAN® 70.3® Ruidoso New Mexico triathlon. In addition, the new event will be a part of a festival weekend of racing, which will include the 5150® Ruidoso New Mexico triathlon and Ruidoso Sprint triathlon, and is scheduled to debut on July 11-12, 2026 in the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Ruidoso’s diverse terrain and welcoming community will offer athletes of all levels a unique opportunity to experience stunning views of the towering peaks of Sierra Blanca while completing their triathlon goals. General registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso New Mexico triathlon opens on April 23, 2026, at www.ironman.com/im703-new-mexico-ruidoso.
“When assessing potential host locations for a new IRONMAN 70.3 event, we quickly learned that Ruidoso would offer athletes an amazing destination to experience triathlon racing,” said Judy Stowers, Regional Director for IRONMAN. “Ruidoso’s welcoming community and stunning scenery make for the perfect place to bring our popular IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon and 5150 and Sprint triathlons to create a festival weekend. We believe the addition of multiple distances will bring further racing opportunities to a wide variety of athletes and attract athletes and families and friends from far and wide to this beautiful community. We are thrilled to work with our new partners in the Village of Ruidoso and know athletes will enjoy Ruidoso’s charm. We cannot wait to showcase this area through our sport.”
Nestled in the stunning Sierra Blanca Mountain range, the village of Ruidoso offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With its mild summers and snowy winters, this charming mountain village, with a population of just over 8,000, provides year-round recreational opportunities and a welcoming community spirit. Whether exploring scenic trails, discovering local art in Midtown, or enjoying Southwestern cuisine, Ruidoso is an inviting community with unique allure.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso New Mexico triathlon will take athletes on a scenic tour of Ruidoso and its surrounding area. Athletes will kick off their race with a swim in the clear waters of Grindstone Lake. Once out of the water, athletes will then make their way through town, as they head out to the highway toward the community of Hondo experiencing epic views, before heading back into town. Athletes will finish their day with a run course that winds through the charming mountain village and scenic neighborhoods, providing a refreshing and inspiring experience culminating in an unforgettable finish line experience in the heart of Midtown. The race course for the 5150 Ruidoso New Mexico and Ruidoso Sprint triathlons will utilize parts of the same course providing athletes with a one-of-a-kind race experience.
The 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso New Mexico triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.