STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A national championship is coming to Happy Valley, and tourism officials expect it to be a big win for the area.

The Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley has been running for several years, with Race Director Josh Cone saying they have seen thousands of participants. Now the organization announced that Happy Valley will be hosting the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship June 14, 2026.

"No matter how you slice it, this is a big deal for the local area," Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance Director Eric Engelbarts said.

Cone says the participants who place the best in the event will have a chance of going to Spain for the World Championship. Back home, Engelbarts thinks this will benefit the area.

"When you're looking at hosting a national ch

See Full Page