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 bike a 56-mile course into Northern Georgia (featuring ~2,500 ft of elevation), and run 13.1 miles through downtown Chattanooga. Due to unsafe conditions in the Tennessee River, the swim portion has been canceled.
- Over 3,000 athletes will compete in the event’s 10th year, with dozens of countries represented + all 50 US states.
Event schedule
Friday, May 16
- 12-7 p.m. | Ironman Athlete check-in
- 3 + 5 p.m. | Athlete briefing
Saturday, May 17
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ironman Athlete check-in
- 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mandatory bike check-in + timing chip pick-up
- 11 a.m., 1 + 3 p.m. | Athlete briefing
Sunday, May 18
- 6:50 a.m. | Pro race starts
- 7 a.m. | Age group race starts
- 4 p.m. | Awards ceremony + 2025 Ironman 70.3 World Championship slot allocation/rolldown ceremony
Check out the full event schedule + happenings.
Where to watch
Folks can cheer on the athletes at several designated spectator zones along the course. You can also watch via the Ironman Pro Series website or Outside TV.
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 14 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, May 18 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
For race day, the Chattanooga Division of Transportation recommends that spectators park in the garages and lots surrounding downtown. Pro tip: Use the Free Electric Shuttle (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) or Bike Chattanooga bike share system (24/7).
Expect several other closures and detours during the race times on Sunday. Police will be on-site directing traffic. You’ll want to also keep watch for signs indicating parking restrictions on Riverfront Parkway, Walnut Street + within St. Elmo.
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 checking out hidden gems in:
Get involved
Over the past decade, Chattanooga has become a hub for endurance racing enthusiasts.
But that doesn’t happen by magic. Our city’s rise to Ironman fame would have been impossible without the tireless efforts of local volunteers.
If you want to do your part by handing out water, cheering on athletes, helping with check-in, and getting the best views of the action, all the information you need is on the application form.
