The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Texas took place on April 7 in Galveston, drawing over 2,000 triathletes to the Gulf Coast for one of the first major races of the season. Competitors faced challenging conditions that tested their endurance and determination.
Race Conditions
The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Texas took place on April 7 in Galveston, drawing over 2,000 triathletes to the Gulf Coast for one of the first major races of the season. Competitors faced challenging conditions that tested their endurance and determination.
Course Overview
The race began with a 1.2-mile single-loop swim in Offatts Bayou, where water temperatures measured 72°F (22°C), making it wetsuit legal. Athletes then tackled the 56-mile bike course along the San Luis Pass Road, featuring flat terrain but challenging headwinds on the return leg. The run course consisted of a three-loop format along the Seawall, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico but little protection from the sun.
Participation and Demographics
The event attracted 2,187 registered participants, representing:
- 45 U.S. states
- 23 countries
- Age group range: 18-75 years
- Gender distribution: 65% male, 35% female
Race Day Timeline
- 6:45 AM: Pro Men Start
- 6:47 AM: Pro Women Start
- 7:00 AM: Age Group Rolling Start Begins
- 2:00 PM: Last Finisher Crosses Line
Notable Highlights
- A record number of first-time IRONMAN 70.3 participants (32% of the field)
- Strong volunteer turnout with over 1,000 community members supporting the event
- Successfully implemented new bike course modifications to enhance athlete safety
The race served as a qualifying event for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, with 30 slots available for top age group performers.
Professional Race Victory
- Tomas Rodriguez Hernandez claimed a decisive victory in the men’s professional race, showcasing his exceptional ability to perform in hot conditions. The Spanish athlete has built a reputation for thriving in challenging weather, as demonstrated by his remarkable performance at IRONMAN 70.3 Campeche earlier this year, where he posted an impressive 1:19 half-marathon split in scorching 93°F (34°C) temperatures. His heat adaptation and racing strategy once again proved effective in Galveston’s humid conditions, allowing him to maintain a strong pace throughout all three disciplines.
