On May 7, 2022, The Ironman® World Championship is coming to St. George, Utah. Hundreds of the world’s best athletes will be put to the test as they take on 140.6 miles of rugged Southern Utah desert.
This event is expected to draw thousands of participants, spectators, volunteers, and other visitors to the area. This means that if you’re planning to attend, you’ll want to start your travel prep early.
From choosing the right Southern Utah vacation rentals to figuring out how you’ll get to the region, keep reading for some travel tips for IRONMAN® athletes.
Consider Your Airport Options
You’ve no doubt been training for years for your grueling bike ride, challenging swim, and long-distance run. But getting to the starting line will also take a little prep.
If you aren’t planning to drive to St. George for the race, you have a few options for airports. The closest option is St. George Regional Airport. While this is located just a short drive from the start of the race, it is a regional airport with more limited flights.
For those looking for more flight options—as well as more affordable flights—it may be best to fly to Las Vegas, Nevada instead. Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran Airport), is just a two-hour drive from St. George. This airport offers tons of daily flights from major airports across the nation, as well as around the world. At the airport, you’ll also find a variety of transportation options to help you get to the starting line (more on that below).
Salt Lake City International Airport is also an option for IRONMAN® athletes. This airport is further away than Las Vegas, at around a four-hour drive from St. George. But it does offer tons of daily flights and a variety of transportation options. If you’re limited on when you can fly in and out and don’t mind the extra driving time, you can check this airport as well when shopping around for your flights.
Getting To and From the Airport
If you’re planning to fly in and out of Harry Reid International Airport for the IRONMAN® World Championship, you’ll also need to consider how you plan to get to and from the airport.
Harry Reid International Airport offers a variety of car rental options from major companies like Budget, Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, and more. Renting a car is a great way to give yourself more flexibility over your trip. You can get to and from your Southern Utah vacation rental with ease, drive to get groceries or to dine out, and even add a little sightseeing to your trip.
But renting a car isn’t your only option. Several shuttle services also offer transfer services between Las Vegas and St. George. One great option is the St. George Shuttle. This shuttle service operates 13 daily trips between Las Vegas and St. George. Passengers ride in Mercedes Sprinter vans and are provided with bottled water and USB charging stations during the ride.
Similar shuttle services are available for those flying into Salt Lake City International Airport. The Salt Lake Express offers daily service between Salt Lake City and St. George.
Book Your Stay Early
After you’ve decided where you’ll be flying in to and how you’ll get from the airport to the starting line, the next decision you’ll need to make is where you’ll stay for the 2022 IRONMAN® World Championship. And while it’s important to make the right choice, it’s also one that you won’t want to delay—reservations will likely sell out quickly for this popular event.
While there are plenty of hotels and motels available in and around St. George, Southern Utah vacation rentals make for a great alternative. Staying at Water Canyon Resort is a great way to avoid what will no doubt be plenty of traffic and crowds in St. George. The resort is just a 45-minute drive from where the race is taking place, making it easy to get there on race day.
Our one- and two-bedroom luxury studios are the perfect place to get a great night’s sleep before race day and enjoy some rest and relaxation after. Spacious rooms and private outdoor spaces, as well as the modern decor, make this a great oasis for getting into the right mindset ahead of the World Championship.
While it may not be located in St. George, reservations will likely fill up for Water Canyon Resort and other Southern Utah vacation rentals for the first weekend in May. Book your stay early to avoid the stress and hassle of finding last-minute accommodations.
Turn Your Race Trip Into a Getaway
After putting your mind and body to the test at the 2022 IRONMAN® World Championships, why not reward yourself with a getaway while in Southern Utah? Staying in a Hildale resort after the race makes it easy to get some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Take a scenic hike in Water Canyon. Enjoy a wine tour and tasting at the new Water Canyon Winery. There are also several restaurants and breweries in Hildale and other nearby areas for you to enjoy.
Planning Ahead for the 2022 IRONMAN® World Championship
If you’re planning to take on the 2022 IRONMAN® World Championship, now is the time to start planning your trip. Whether you’ll be coming in for just the race or turning your race weekend into a longer getaway, these tips can help make the process easier, and ensure you enjoy a fun and hassle-free trip.
For athletes, spectators, and volunteers, Water Canyon Resort is the perfect basecamp for your race weekend. Our Southern Utah vacation rentals offer plenty of space to stretch out, as well as luxury touches that make it easy to get plenty of rest and relaxation before and after the event. Book your stay today to guarantee your choice of dates, and cross one more thing off of your IRONMAN® World Championship to-do list!