Don’t let the slow pace of life in Oregon fool you; the Beaver state has some high-speed tricks up its sleeve. From the nearly vertical ski slopes of Mount Hood to the wild and scenic rivers that crisscross the state, there is no shortage of opportunities for fast-paced thrills in Oregon—and IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon is no exception. Boasting one of the fastest swims on the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit, this wildly popular race calls first-timers and PR-seekers alike to Salem, where they’ll find a blazing-fast 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River, a 56-mile ride through Oregon’s scenic wine country, and a flat 13.1-mile run on paved and shaded park trails.
For 2026, IRONMAN is excited to introduce Currents to Kicks, a brand-new splash-and-dash experience launching race weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon on Friday, July 17. It’s a fast, fun way for IRONMAN participants and community athletes to to preview the course, loosen up and kick off the weekend.
Alongside the race on Friday will be a free community celebration from 5–8 p.m., at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park featuring wine tasting, food trucks and live music from the Rae Gordon Band — the Cascade Blues Association’s 2025 Muddy Award Winner for Best R&B Band. Whether you take part in Currents to Kicks or just want to soak in the IRONMAN race atmosphere, everyone is welcome — bring the whole family and join in the fun!