2024 Athletes’ Choice Awards Winners announced for IRONMAN Triathlons across North America

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- IRONMAN has announced the results of its 2024 Athletes’ Choice Awards, highlighting the top-scoring events in a variety of categories based on athletes’ post-event surveys from all of last year’s IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races globally.

Across all the IRONMAN series events that took place in 2024, Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas ranked 1st in Best Run Course in North America and 4th in Best Run Course Globally.

Results for the 2024 Global Athletes’ Choice Awards were gathered from post event surveys sent to all athletes who completed an IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 race. Survey questions were based on a five-point satisfaction scale and encompassed multiple categories including: Best Overall Race, Best Swim Course, Best Bike Course, Best Run Course and Most Recommended Race, among others. Approximately 48,000 total survey respondents gave feedback to decide the winners for each category of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events, marking a major accomplishment for the winning events and their host communities.

Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas kicks-off North America’s IRONMAN season, and is known for its belt buckle medal, camaraderie around race week, and most of all its iconic course. For over 10 years, the Athletes’ Choice for best run course experience in North America has offered an epic season-starting moment that will test your limits and push yourself to new heights in a destination filled with distinctive charm, natural beauty, and epic finish line moments. The 26.2-mile, three-lap run course is one of the most spirited on the circuit thanks to an incredible spectator base. This is best exhibited by Hippie Hollow, an area with tie-dye banners, twinkling lights, and costumed performers that becomes even more magical after the sun sets. The run takes place around Lake Woodlands and concludes with a spectacular finish on Waterway Ave.

IRONMAN athlete and local TJ Fry created Hippie Hollow, a costume-clad, spirited spectators cheer section along the IRONMAN Texas run course. Over the years, Hippie Hollow has become a rite of passage and a beloved part of the IRONMAN Texas course. It’s something athletes look forward to each year, even the pros. Read more about the legacy of Hippie Hollow: www.ironman.com/news/legend-hippie-hollow.

“The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas is one of our key signature events in The Woodlands each and every year,” said Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, the convention and visitors bureau for the town. “It’s great to have thousands of our residents volunteer their time to help in the success for this event that attracts thousands of participants and their support networks who visit The Woodlands for these activities. It’s great to have the recognition as the Best Run route and best volunteers!”

Additional details regarding the Athletes’ Choice Awards and Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon:

• For every IRONMAN race, event surveys were sent post event to all athletes who competed. Based on the cumulative results, the Top 5 North American events were ranked.
• Surveys are on a five-point satisfaction scale.
• The 2025 edition of Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas will take place on April 26, 2025. Visit www.ironman.com/races/im-texas for more information.

To view the full list of the 2024 Athletes’ Choice Award results, please visit www.ironman.com/athletes-choice-2024.