September 26, 2026

St. George Triathlon 2026

The Kokopelli Triathlon at Sand Hollow State Park is the confirmed 2026 race — plus what happened to Ironman 70.3 St. George

Quick Facts

Race Date
September 26, 2026
Venue
Sand Hollow State Park
Distances
Sprint · Olympic · Aquabike · Duathlon
Start Time
7:00 AM gun time

St. George has been one of the most celebrated triathlon destinations in the United States, built on consistent weather, technical courses, and Sand Hollow State Park's standout open-water venue. For 2026, the headline event is the Kokopelli Triathlon — confirmed for September 26, 2026 at Sand Hollow — offering sprint, Olympic, aquabike, and duathlon formats for athletes at every level. Ironman 70.3 St. George, the race that originally put Southern Utah on the international triathlon map, was discontinued after its final running in May 2025. This guide covers what's actually on the 2026 St. George triathlon calendar, plus the Ironman legacy course and year-round training info that still draws athletes to the area.

Is There an Ironman St. George in 2026?

No. After 17 years and a stint as the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship, IRONMAN held its final St. George race on May 10, 2025. Washington County officials and race organizers cited rising operating costs and growing pressure on local roads and communities along the course as reasons for ending the event. No replacement IRONMAN race has been announced for St. George, and there is currently no IRONMAN event on the 2026 local calendar. Athletes searching for a 2026 St. George-area triathlon should look to the Kokopelli Triathlon below.

2026 St. George Triathlon Schedule

The St. George-area triathlon calendar is anchored by one confirmed major event in 2026:

  • Kokopelli Triathlon — September 26, 2026 at Sand Hollow State Park. Sprint, Olympic, aquabike, and duathlon formats, plus standalone 5K and 10K runs. Organized by BBSC Endurance Sports.
  • Independent sprint races — Smaller events organized by local triathlon clubs and promoters happen periodically through the year; check the SGWOM events calendar for the current list.

Ironman 70.3 St. George does not appear on the 2026 calendar — see above for details on why the race ended.

The Legacy Ironman 70.3 St. George Course

From 2008 through 2025, the Ironman 70.3 St. George course was legendary for its difficulty. The 1.2-mile swim started at Sand Hollow Reservoir with clear, manageable water conditions. The 56-mile bike left Sand Hollow and wound through Washington County's rolling desert terrain with 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain — including a notable climb up and through Snow Canyon State Park. Strong climbers and cyclists comfortable with sustained grades performed well here; athletes trained on flat courses often struggled. The 13.1-mile run took athletes through the Red Cliffs area of central St. George with its own rolling terrain and exposure to midday sun. While the race itself is no longer held, the same roads remain a popular proving ground for cyclists and runners training in the area.

Kokopelli Triathlon

The Kokopelli Triathlon is one of the intermountain west's most popular amateur triathlons, hosted by BBSC Endurance Sports at Sand Hollow State Park. The 2026 race is confirmed for September 26, 2026, with sprint (750m swim / 12.4-mile bike / 3.1-mile run) and Olympic (1500m swim / 20.7-mile bike / 6.2-mile run) distances, plus aquabike and duathlon options and standalone 5K/10K runs — including individual and relay formats. The accessible course and well-organized logistics make Kokopelli a popular choice for first-time triathletes and experienced amateurs alike. Registration opens months before race day through BBSC Endurance Sports; early pricing starts around $85 for sprint and $235 for Olympic distance.

Why Sand Hollow is an Ideal Triathlon Venue

Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah has become the default venue for most Southern Utah triathlons thanks to several compelling advantages:

  • Clear water — Late-September water temperatures typically in the mid-to-upper 70s°F with excellent visibility and minimal current
  • Buoyed swim course infrastructure — Established swim course lines and timing infrastructure
  • Spacious transition areas — Paved parking and staging areas accommodate large athlete transitions
  • Direct road access — Sand Hollow Road connects to SR-9 for bike and run course routing
  • Restroom and shower facilities — Park amenities support race-day logistics
  • Sand Hollow Resort lodging — Immediately adjacent lodging for athletes wanting minimal race-morning commute

Race-Day Weather and Conditions

Late September triathlon weather in St. George is typically favorable — race mornings see 55-65°F air temperatures climbing into the 85-95°F range by the run portion. Humidity is consistently low. Southern Utah's monsoon season (July-September) can occasionally bring afternoon thunderstorm activity, so check forecasts in the final 72 hours before race day. The early 7 AM gun time takes advantage of the coolest temperatures of the day.

Training in St. George Year-Round

Beyond race day, St. George is one of the country's premier triathlon training destinations. Open water swimming at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek is available May through October. Indoor pools at the St. George Recreation Center, Washington Community Center, and Sand Hollow Aquatic Center support year-round swim training. Road cycling on low-traffic roads through Snow Canyon, Gunlock, and Hurricane offers world-class training terrain. Running routes range from flat paved paths in central St. George to demanding red rock trails in the surrounding foothills. Local training volume typically builds in the weeks leading into the Kokopelli Triathlon each September.

Race Weekend Lodging

Kokopelli Triathlon weekend hotel inventory fills quickly. Recommended options by proximity to Sand Hollow:

  • Hurricane (closest to start) — Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Abbey Inn, Sand Hollow Resort cottages (5-15 min to transition)
  • Washington — Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn, multiple mid-range hotels (15-20 min)
  • St. George (more amenities) — Courtyard, Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn, Best Western Coral Hills (20-30 min)
  • Vacation rentals — Airbnb and VRBO at Sand Hollow Resort, Coral Canyon, and Entrada work well for families and training groups

Book 2-3 months in advance for Kokopelli race weekend, earlier if you want Sand Hollow Resort or other on-venue lodging.

What Else to Do in St. George on Race Weekend

Many athletes extend triathlon trips to enjoy Southern Utah recreation. Post-race recovery activities include easy hiking in Snow Canyon State Park, visits to Zion National Park (45 minutes east), dining in downtown St. George, and pool time at race hotels. For athletes staying extra days, Sand Hollow offers boating, SUP, and beach time, while the surrounding desert provides world-class mountain biking and hiking.

St. George Triathlon 2026 FAQ

Is there an Ironman 70.3 race in St. George in 2026?
No. IRONMAN discontinued the St. George 70.3 race after its final running on May 10, 2025 — the 17th and last IRONMAN event in Washington County, which had also served as the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship. Race organizers and Washington County officials cited rising operating costs and growing pressure on local roads and communities along the course. No replacement IRONMAN event has been announced for St. George, and there is no IRONMAN race on the 2026 local calendar. The area's headline 2026 triathlon is the Kokopelli Triathlon at Sand Hollow State Park on September 26, 2026.
What triathlons are held in St. George in 2026?
The primary triathlon in the St. George area for 2026 is the Kokopelli Triathlon, held September 26, 2026 at Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane, Utah. It offers sprint, Olympic, aquabike, and duathlon formats plus standalone 5K and 10K runs. IRONMAN 70.3 St. George, which ran annually from 2008 through 2025, has been discontinued. Smaller independent sprint races and local club events also use Sand Hollow throughout the year — check the SGWOM events calendar for additions.
When is the Kokopelli Triathlon 2026?
The Kokopelli Triathlon 2026 is set for Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah, with athlete check-in on Friday, September 25. Registration and full event details are available through BBSC Endurance Sports at bbscendurance.com.
Where do St. George-area triathlons take place?
Most St. George-area triathlons use Sand Hollow State Park (swim and transition) with bike and run courses routed through the surrounding desert. Sand Hollow offers clear water, excellent transition space, and road access for the bike/run course. Some events start at Quail Creek State Park. Race day logistics include shuttle service, transition area setup, and aid stations throughout the course.
What made the Ironman 70.3 St. George bike course so difficult?
During its run from 2008 to 2025, the Ironman 70.3 St. George bike course was considered one of the toughest in the half-iron distance. The 56-mile bike featured 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain through Southern Utah's rolling desert terrain, including a significant climb through Snow Canyon State Park. The race itself is no longer held, but the roads remain popular with serious cyclists training in the area.
What is race-day weather like for the Kokopelli Triathlon in September?
Late September in St. George typically brings race-morning temperatures in the 55-65°F range, warming into the 85-95°F range by midday as the run portion wraps up. Conditions are usually dry with low humidity, though Southern Utah's monsoon season (July-September) can occasionally bring afternoon thunderstorm activity — check forecasts in the days before race weekend. The early 7 AM start takes advantage of the coolest temperatures.
Where should I stay for St. George triathlon weekend?
Hotels near Sand Hollow (Hurricane area) are most convenient for race morning logistics, including Holiday Inn Express Hurricane, Best Western Abbey Inn, Sand Hollow Resort cottages, and Airbnb/VRBO rentals at Coral Canyon and Sand Hollow Resort. St. George proper offers more hotel inventory and restaurants but adds 15-25 minutes to race morning commute. Book 2-3 months in advance for the Kokopelli Triathlon weekend.
How do I register for the Kokopelli Triathlon or other St. George triathlons?
Kokopelli Triathlon and most other BBSC Endurance Sports events register through bbscendurance.com, with pricing from roughly $85 (sprint) to $235 (Olympic distance) that increases as race day approaches. Smaller independent sprint events may use RunSignup, Active.com, or other registration platforms — check each event's official page for current details.
What is the water temperature at Sand Hollow in September?
By late September, Sand Hollow water temperatures are typically in the mid-to-upper 70s°F — often warm enough that wetsuits become optional or are prohibited under USAT rules for the swim leg. Conditions vary year to year, so always check official race communications for wetsuit status closer to race day.
Is Sand Hollow good for open water swim training?
Yes. Sand Hollow State Park is widely considered one of the best open water training venues in the intermountain west. The lake features clear water, minimal current, buoyed swim courses, and excellent visibility. Seasonal open water swim sessions are organized by local tri clubs. Park entrance fees apply ($15 day pass, $75 annual Utah State Parks pass).
What triathlon training is available in St. George year-round?
St. George is one of the country's best triathlon training destinations. Open water swimming at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek (May-October), indoor pools (St. George Recreation Center, Washington Community Center, Sand Hollow Aquatic Center), world-class road cycling on low-traffic roads through Snow Canyon and Gunlock, and running routes on red rock trails and road courses — all supported by consistent sunshine and mild winter temperatures. Local training volume typically builds in the weeks leading into the Kokopelli Triathlon each September.

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