It’s that time of year again — the Ironman 70.3 weekend is here. As the Scenic City gets ready to welcome athletes and supporters from across the globe, we’re here to share the need-to-know information if you’re looking to participate in the festivities or avoid the crowds.
The event + the numbers
- Participants will swim 1.4 miles down the Tennessee River, bike a 56-mile course into Northern Georgia + run 13.1 miles through downtown Chattanooga.
- Over 3,500 athletes are registered from 31 countries, regions and territories + all 50 US states.
- The athletes’ ages range from 18 to 83.
Event schedule
- Friday, May 17 | 2-7 p.m. | Ironman Athlete check-in
- Friday, May 17 | 3 p.m. + 5 p.m. | Athlete briefing
- Saturday, May 18 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ironman Athlete check-in
- Saturday, May 18 | 11 a.m., 1 p.m. + 3 p.m. | Athlete briefing
- Saturday, May 18 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mandatory bike check-in + timing chip pick-up
- Sunday, May 19 | 6:50 a.m. | Pro race starts
- Sunday, May 19 | 7 a.m. | Age group race starts
- Sunday, May 19 | 4 p.m. | Awards ceremony + 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championship slot allocation/rolldown ceremony
Check out the full event schedule + happenings.
Note: There is no athlete check-in on Race Day.
Where to watch
Folks can cheer on the athletes at several designated spectator zones along the courses. You can also support the participants by watching the live broadcast and more.
Pro tip: Download the interactive Ironman Athlete Tracker App so you can follow the athletes in real time.
Traffic + closures
These roads will be closed on Wednesday, May 15 at 9 a.m. through Monday, May 20 at 5 a.m.:
- Riverfront Parkway (between Aquarium Way + Molly Lane)
- Chestnut Street (between Aquarium Way + Riverfront Parkway)
- Power Alley (from the parking lot to Riverfront Parkway)
- Southbound Veterans Bridge ramp to Riverside Drive
Expect several other closures and detours during the race times on Sunday. Police will be on-site directing traffic.
Note: Watch for parking restrictions around these areas that will be in effect from Saturday, May 18 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m.
Avoid the crowds
On Sunday, you’ll want to avoid the areas along the Tennessee River (think: Riverside Drive, the Riverwalk, Ross’s Landing, and Barton Avenue). The bike race travels through NorthShore to northern Georgia, so expect crowds in the St. Elmo area as well.
We recommend spending the day in Hixson, East Ridge, or Brainerd. Looking for dinner plans? Side Track Restaurant is one of our favorite hidden gems tucked away on Hixson Pike.
