Columbia River Half Iron
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Columbia River Half Iron FULL Triathlon
The Columbia River Half Iron is a full half-Ironman distance triathlon held at Vantage Boat Ramp on September 6, 2026. The event combines an open-water swim in the Columbia River, a road bike out-and-back route toward Ellensburg, and an out-and-back half marathon finishing at the boat ramp area near Wanapum Dam.
Distances:
- 1.2 mile swim in the Columbia River around five buoys, starting in knee-deep water.
- 56 mile hilly road bike out-and-back toward Ellensburg, includes an out segment of 21.4 miles and return via the dam.
- 13.1 mile run to Wanapum Dam and back.
Race operations include a mandatory safety briefing conducted by Zoom on September 3, 2026, and an optional pasta feed on September 5, 2026. Safety measures on the course include certified lifeguards in kayaks, direction arrows and elevated signs along the bike route, and course flaggers. Participants must wear bibs while on the bike and run and must display stickers on helmet and bike. Drafting on the bike course is not permitted. Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged for water temperatures of 60-85F.
Entry options include individual full entries, two-person and three-person relay teams, and a virtual 70.3 option. Registration packages note items such as a swim cap, event wind breaker, access to the pasta feed, and post-event awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
