IRONMAN Montana Sells More Than 60% of Entries

Great Falls lodging is filling up as athletes and spectators prepare for the first IRONMAN race in Montana.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Running

IRONMAN Montana Sells More Than 60% of Entries

Live Poll

Would you attend a major sporting event in your own hometown?

IRONMAN Montana is more than 60% sold out, with 500 athletes registering during the VIP registration period. Some Great Falls lodging properties have already sold out for race weekend, while other properties still have availability.

Why it matters

The strong registration and lodging demand signals significant local economic activity and community interest in the event's debut in Great Falls. Organizers and local residents are encouraging early reservations as the field fills.

Registration figures come from the event's VIP period, with more than 60% of places sold as of the report. Missing from the source are total capacity and how many athletes ultimately start the race.

The players

Mike Rydell

Mike Rydell is a veteran IRONMAN competitor who completed 14 IRONMAN races from 2005 to 2016 and finished the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Melissa Kapperud

Melissa Kapperud is a Great Falls athlete who has long aspired to complete an IRONMAN and says hosting the race in Montana made that goal more attainable.

The details

Athletes and spectators are being urged to reserve lodging and race spots early as demand builds. Community members have offered equipment, training plans, and other resources to first-time competitors preparing for the event.

Mike Rydell completed 14 IRONMAN races between 2005 and 2016, including the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
VIP registration period: 500 athletes registered for IRONMAN Montana.
Race weekend: Great Falls lodging properties have sold out.

Season Trajectory

IRONMAN Montana extends the brand's reach beyond established coastal and resort markets into a northern Rockies host city. Its strong early registration places it among the more demanded new long-distance events in the region.

Visitors planning to attend should book Great Falls lodging early, since some properties have already sold out for race weekend. Athletes registering late may face limited availability as the event approaches capacity.

The takeaway

Early planning is the clearest practical step for anyone involved in IRONMAN Montana, whether racing or spectating. Community support for first-time competitors is also available through local networks.