This beloved race has built a loyal athlete fan base thanks to its “old school” triathlon atmosphere.
When the founder of the Buffalo Springs Lake triathlon created this event in 1990 as an Olympic-distance triathlon, the goal was simply to put on a safe, well planned, competitive race. A grand total of 91 triathletes gathered in the beautiful Yellowhouse Canyons of the Llano Estacado Plains of West Texas to compete on a very challenging course. The consensus? This spring-fed lake nestled among canyons was made for triathlon.
After Kona qualifying slots were granted to the race in 1994, the number of participants continued to grow. IRONMAN 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake continued to build its reputation as a very tough, challenging, and yet fair race. It’s considered by many to be fantastic preparation for the heat and humidity of the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii, making it a mainstay on the race circuit. Some say good results here predict similar ones in Kona. Also, it has a tendency to foster great friendships among age group triathletes, and even legendary professionals.
The 1.2- mile open water lake swim takes place over a rectangular, counter-clockwise course with a beach entry. Athletes exit the water on a cement boat dock area, within 20 yards of the transition area. The bike course is a modified out-and-back course that takes competitors through farmland over a tough but partially shaded, scenic course. The long awaited finish is back at the Buffalo Springs Lake where family and friends are ready to celebrate with them as their grueling, yet rewarding day comes to an end.