IronmanThursday, October 22
Great Falls will host Ironman Montana, the state's first full-distance Ironman, on Aug. 15, 2027
The Good Day Great Falls team
If you've been waiting for a reason to dust off the bike, here's one. Ironman and the Great Falls Tourism Business Improvement District announced Wednesday that Montana's first full-distance Ironman is set for Aug. 15, 2027. General registration opens Oct. 29.
Great Falls will be one of 10 North American locations hosting a race at that level. Tourism expects about 2,000 athletes and their families, supporters and event personnel. Tourism director Rebecca Engum put the local economic impact at $8 million to $15 million. Tourism will pay the licensing fee and other costs so city agencies don't incur any, Engum told The Electric.
Tourism has committed to three yearly amounts, if year one meets expectations
Source: The Electric
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $530K |
| Year 2 | $539.3K |
| Year 3 | $552.3K |
- Swim: 2.4 miles, single loop in the Missouri River
- Bike: 112 miles west, returning to Elks Riverside Park
- Run: 26.2 miles, two loops along the Missouri River
- Qualifying slots offered for the 2027 Ironman World Championship
Earlier this month, the City Commission voted unanimously to approve its agreement with the TBID. Engum said next up are safety and transportation plans, recruiting volunteers and mapping how athletes move through town on race day.
Ironman Montana moves from city approval to registration this month
- Sept. 24Convention and Visitors Bureau and TBID boards approve a host venue agreement, pending city support.
- Oct. 6City Commission votes unanimously to approve the agreement with the TBID.
- Oct. 21Ironman and the TBID announce the Aug. 15, 2027 race.
- Oct. 29General registration for Ironman Montana opens.
- Aug. 2027First Ironman Montana is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2027.
Sources: The Electric, KTVH
Sources: The Electric, Fairfield Sun Times, KTVH, NonStop Local Montana