The IRONMAN Group, a Wanda Sports Group company (Nasdaq: WSG), in conjunction with Visit Sacramento announced today that Sacramento, California will serve as the newest host venue for a full-distance IRONMAN® triathlon. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, with general registration opening in July 2020.

“We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with the state of California by bringing a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon to Sacramento next year,” said Dave Christen, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group. “Northern California has proven to be an amazing location to host world-class events and we believe that Sacramento will continue to build on the legacy that Santa Rosa created in the sport. We know our athletes will be excited to race another full-distance triathlon through the beautiful capital of the Golden State.”

Sacramento, California’s state capital, is the fifth largest city in the state and sits just under 90 miles northeast of Oakland and San Francisco. The city is known as one of the most historic cities in the state, filled with vibrant landmarks, museums, culture and farm-to-fork restaurants with local craft beer and wine. Considered to have a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and dry summers, Sacramento offers ideal weather conditions for outdoor lovers making for a vibrant, active community.

Following the sunset edition of the IRONMAN Santa Rosa triathlon taking place on July 25, 2020, the inaugural IRONMAN California triathlon will continue the strong tradition of triathlon that has been built in the region offering the only full-distance IRONMAN event in the state. With course announcements soon to come, participants can expect a down-river swim, a scenic bike through the agricultural landscape that surrounds Sacramento and beautiful run along the river trail. This fast-paced course will bring the need for speed, with personal records within reach throughout the weekend.

“Visit Sacramento’s Sports Commission is thrilled to welcome IRONMAN to our city,” said Visit Sacramento CEO Mike Testa. “Our unbeatable weather coupled with our prime outdoor spaces and tremendous community of sports fans makes Sacramento an ideal host for this exciting event. We look forward to working with IRONMAN, our hospitality partners and the City of Sacramento to make the 2021 competition a success.”

General registration for the inaugural 2021 IRONMAN California triathlon will open in July 2020. The event will offer qualifying slots to the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i.