Muncie signs for more years of Ironman races

Muncie officials say the city is committing to three more years of hosting Ironman triathlons at Prairie Creek Reservoir.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

Muncie has held lengthy triathlons under the names Muncie Endurathon and Ironman for more than 40 years, but signed its first official contract with Ironman in 2022.  That first contract was also for three years.

Future races will be moved from September to July.  Officials say the change will make it easier to schedule local volunteers outside of football season and fall events.

The city has touted the triathlon’s economic benefit to Muncie.  In 2021, Muncie hosted two Ironman races – 70.3 and 140.6 miles.  According to a report by the Horizon Convention Center, the Ironman weekend brought in $4.092 million for the city.  Since that year, only the 70.3-mile race has been hosted in Muncie.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu.