Triathlon
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2026: Preview, favourites and how to watch live on DAZN
Watch the IRONMAN Pro Series for free on DAZN
The Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series heads to one of triathlon's most iconic venues this weekend as a world-class professional field gathers for the 2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid.
Set against the backdrop of New York's Adirondack Mountains, the full-distance race offers a $125,000 prize purse, valuable Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series points and coveted IRONMAN World Championship qualification slots. With some of the sport's biggest names all on the start line, Sunday's race promises to be one of the highlights of the 2026 season.
Who are the favourites?
The women's race features a fascinating blend of proven champions and athletes looking to make a statement.
Austria's Lisa Perterer returns after finishing runner-up at Lake Placid last year, while Spain's Marta Sanchez arrives having enjoyed another consistent Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series campaign. One of the biggest storylines, however, is the return of 2022 IRONMAN World Champion Chelsea Sodaro, who makes her first start of the 2026 season.
There is also huge anticipation surrounding Paula Findlay. The Canadian has dominated over the middle distance in recent years and arrives fresh from a third consecutive IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship title as she prepares to tackle her first full-distance IRONMAN.
Grace Thek and Tamara Jewett are also firmly in the hunt for valuable Pro Series points, while Rachel Zilinskas, Rhianne Hughes and Anne Basso add further depth to a highly competitive field.
The men's race is equally strong. Defending champion Matthew Marquardt returns after another impressive season, while 2024 winner Trevor Foley arrives unbeaten in Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series competition in 2026.
Belgium's Marten Van Riel continues to establish himself as one of long-course triathlon's brightest stars following victories over the 70.3 distance, and Denmark's Kristian Høgenhaug will once again be expected to use his formidable bike strength to challenge for victory.
Rudy Von Berg, Jason West, Ben Kanute, Frederic Funk, Rasmus Svenningsson and Cody Beals complete one of the deepest professional fields Lake Placid has seen in recent years.
Why is IRONMAN Lake Placid so iconic?
Few races carry the history of IRONMAN Lake Placid.
First held in 1999, the event takes place in the two-time Winter Olympic host town and has become one of the flagship races on the global IRONMAN calendar.
Athletes begin with a 2.4-mile swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mirror Lake before tackling a challenging 112-mile bike course through the Adirondack Mountains. The race concludes with a full marathon, finishing inside the famous Olympic Oval where countless sporting champions have been crowned.
Its demanding terrain, passionate crowds and historic setting have made Lake Placid one of the sport's most prestigious full-distance events.
Why does the race matter?
With 5,000 Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series points awarded to the winners, Lake Placid could play a pivotal role in shaping the championship race.
As one of the marquee full-distance events on the calendar, a strong result can transform an athlete's season, while victory also secures a significant share of the prize purse and strengthens World Championship qualification ambitions.
How to watch IRONMAN Pro Series Lake Placid live
The IRONMAN Pro Series is available live on DAZN in selected territories worldwide, allowing fans to follow the world's leading professional triathletes throughout the season.
Coverage is available globally excluding Canada, the United States, Central America, China and selected Caribbean and South American territories, where alternative broadcast arrangements may apply.
You can watch on the DAZN app, available on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.
If you do not already have a DAZN account, getting started is simple:
- Download the free DAZN app from your device's app store, or visit DAZN.com on your computer.
- Select Sign Up or Log In.
- Create an account using your email address, or sign in with Apple, Google or Facebook.
- Once registered, you'll have access to DAZN's free content and live events that are available in your region.
- Search for IRONMAN Pro Series and start watching.
