Texas can’t hold’em: the stars competing for a piece of the $175k pie at Ironman Texas

Ironman Texas takes place this weekend with stacked pro women’s and men’s fields competing for the $175,000 prize pot, Pro Series points and Ironman World Championship qualification spots. 

Defending Ironman Pro Series champion Kat Matthews and reigning Ironman World Champion Solveig Løvseth headline the women’s race. The quality men’s field features the top four finishers at last year’s worlds and intriguing long-course debutants. 

Let’s run through the start lists and preview the flat and fast Texas course, which also hosts the Ironman North American Championships. 

Who’s in the women’s race?

The Ironman Texas women’s pro race will see Kat Matthews go head-to-head with Solveig Løvseth. What a prospect. The Brit’s successful early season has involved a course record at Ironman New Zealand, one of two Pro Series wins this year, and she currently tops the standings. She holds the course record and is bidding for a fourth consecutive win in The Woodlands. Her time of 8:10:34 is also the fastest time for a full-length Ironman.

The Norwegian will make her full-course season debut in Texas after coming second at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside behind Taylor Knibb. The triple Ironman 70.3 world champion is the fastest cyclist in the women’s pro series and should excel in The Woodlands. 

The likes of Hannah Berry, Lisa Perterer, Marta Sanchez and Sara Svensk will contend for the top ten while Americans Jackie Hering and Danielle Lewis will be aiming for the podium in the North American championships. 

Who’s in the men’s race?

The star-studded men’s field includes Marten Van Riel, who finished fourth on Ironman Wolds debut behind the Norwegian trio of Casper Stornes, Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. Of these, last year’s winner Blummenfelt looks the favourite. He leads the 2026 Pro Series after Ironman 70.3 wins in Geelong and Oceanside. 

It will be extremely interesting to see Jelle Geens and Vincent Luis make their full-distance debut. The Belgian has excelled in half-Iron distance races since stepping up in distance, winning back-to-back 70.3 world championships, and looks set to challenge more experienced full-course athletes. The Frenchman specialised in short-course racing for 20 years before switching to middle and long distance in 2025. 

What is the Ironman Texas course?

Ironman Texas is held in The Woodlands, a purpose-built, forested residential area 30 miles from Houston. 

The 2.4-mile swim takes place in the Lake Woodlands and athletes exit the water via the Woodlands Canal as supporters cheer from the banks. The freshwater lake is generally 74 degrees fahrenheit (24°C), on the cusp of wetsuit temperature. At this time of year in Texas, it’s not extremely hot (88°F/31°C last year) but humidity can be high. 

Next the 112-mile bike leg sends triathletes into Northern Harris County for two laps of the car-free Hardy Toll Road. Flat terrain and strong winds make this an ideal parcours for PBs.

The marathon-distance run is made up of three laps around the Lake Woodlands and Pantier Branch of the canal. It passes through the spectator-packed Hippie Hollow and finishes on Waterway Avenue.