ROCKFORD, IL — IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford is about to make history in Illinois, and Rockford area residents will have a front seat to the action.
The event will take place June 22 mostly in downtown Rockford, and the bike course goes through Rockton and western Winnebago County. More than 2,700 athletes be in Rockford that day to compete in the half-distance triathlon.
If you know someone who is racing or if you just want to partake in a day of triathlon-watching, here’s what you need to know.
What is IRONMAN 70.3?
IRONMAN 70.3 is a half-triathlon — a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
Where will race be held in Rockford?
Most of IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford will take place in downtown Rockford, but the bike course will travel through downtown Rockton and the rolling hills and scenic countryside of northwestern Winnebago County.
How many athletes will be competing?
More than 2,700 athletes have registered to compete in IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford. It’s a qualifying race for the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will take place Nov. 8 and 9 in Marbella, Spain.
Where are the athletes coming from?
Countries with the most athletes competing in the Rockford race are United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Guatemala. The top U.S. states represented will be Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and Minnesota.
What is the schedule for the day?
The race starts at 7 a.m. on the Rock River Recreation Path just north of the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA. The first finisher is expected to complete the race by about 10:45 a.m. Racers will continue to cross the finish line throughout the day. The awards ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Davis Park.
How much does it cost?
Watching the race anywhere along the course is free. Entrance to IRONMAN Village in Davis Park in downtown Rockford also is free. IRONMAN Village will feature an athletes lounge, vendors, food and beverage sales, activities for kids and more. IRONMAN Village will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. June 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22.
Will there be road closures?
Yes. There will be several major road closures throughout downtown Rockford and the region, mostly between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow for additional travel time, and follow posted detours. For a full list of road closures, visit the Traffic Impact Report at gorockford.com/ironman/spectator-guide. The Rock River Recreation Path also will be closed.
Where’s some of the best places to watch?
For the swim portion of the race: Begins at 7 a.m. Rock River Recreation Path, Riverfront Museum Park Path, 711 N. Main St., Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford Public Library Riverwalk, 215 N. Wyman St. and the sidewalks along the State Street and Jefferson Street bridges.
For the bike course: Begins about 7:30 a.m. The 100 and 200 block of South Wyman Street and the 200 and 300 block of West State Street in Rockford, and Main Street in downtown Rockton from 8 a.m. to noon.
For the run portion: Begins about 9:30 a.m. the Rock River Recreation Path, Riverfront Museum Park parking lot, 711 N. Main St., and National Avenue.
The finish line: Begins about 10:30 a.m. in the 100 block of South Main Street in downtown Rockford.
Where are the best places to park on race day?
The SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., will be available all day. The Nicholas Conservatory lots will be closed for the swim portion but will reopen for the run. Special event parking will be available for $5/day at the Concourse Parking Garage, 200 S. Church St., Pioneer Parking Garage, 311 N. Main St., and State & Main Garage, 301 W. State St. (Must enter before 6:30 a.m., cannot exit until after 2 p.m.)
Street parking and surface lots are also available throughout the downtown area.
For more information
Visit ironman.com or gorockford.com.
Jack Ivanic is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Thinking of heading down to IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford? Here’s what you need to know
Reporting by Jack Ivanic / Rockford Register Star
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