New Currents to Kicks Event Sets the Pace for IRONMAN® 70.3® Washington Tri-Cities Weekend

Athletes, residents, and visitors are invited to kick off Cuisine Solutions IRONMAN® 70.3® Washington Tri-Cities weekend on Friday, September 18, with the debut of Currents to Kicks along with Visit Tri-Cities’ free Party at the Point at Columbia Point Marina Park in Richland. The two events give the community an opportunity to experience the energy of race weekend and welcome athletes ahead of the IRONMAN® 70.3® race on Sunday, September 20.

Currents to Kicks brings a new way to experience the course, combining a 1.2-mile downriver swim on the official IRONMAN® race-day swim course with a 2.1-mile run. Open to community athletes and IRONMAN® participants, the event gives local swimmers, runners and multisport enthusiasts an opportunity to take part in race weekend without competing in the full 70.3-mile event.

Along with the Currents to Kicks race, a free community celebration called Party at the Point takes place at Columbia Point Marina from 5–8 p.m. next to IRONMAN® Village.

Party at the Point will showcase the Tri-Cities with live music, local vendors, food and beverage options and family-friendly activities along the Columbia River. Live performances will include No Soap Radio and Scott Pemberton O Theory, while a dedicated kids activation area presented in partnership with the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum will offer interactive experiences for children and families. Food trucks, beverage vendors and dessert options will be available throughout the evening, along with a beer garden hosted by Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary.

“People who get involved, get inspired,” said Kevin Lewis, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “And these two events create new ways for our community to be part of the energy surrounding IRONMAN® weekend. You don’t have to race 70.3 miles on Sunday to experience what makes this weekend special. Race weekend belongs to the whole community, with opportunities to compete, volunteer, cheer on athletes and come together at Party at the Point.”

The Friday festivities are part of a weekend of activities leading up to IRONMAN® on Sunday, September 20. The 70.3-mile race brings athletes, supporters and spectators to the region for a course showcasing the Columbia River and surrounding Tri-Cities landscape. Athletes will complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run before crossing the finish line at Columbia Point Marina Park.