This article was updated on 9/25/19.
This weekend, about 2,200 athletes arrive in Chattanooga to swim, bike + run a total of 140.6 miles in 2019 Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga Triathlon. 🚴
Chloé here + I’ve covered this event for years. Something I’ve learned? It’s one of the most impressive acts anyone can witness.
Here’s everything you need to know so you can check it out this weekend – and trust me – It’s worth watching if you haven’t before.
The basics
What: 2019 Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga Triathlon
When: Events Friday, Saturday + Sunday (actual race day on Sunday)
Where: The center of the action will be on Riverfront Parkway, which is where the Ironman Village Expo is. Athletes traverse downtown into North Georgia’s Walker County.
Best place to watch: Ross’s Landing Park, where spectators can get a glimpse of every stage of the race. This is where the athlete’s transition from each leg.
Road closures/delays: Click here and here. 🚧
The Course
You can find a place just about anywhere along the course to watch. In the past, there have been viewing parties in North Chattanooga + the folks in North Georgia usually come out showing strong support. 📍Course maps here.
Swim: Athletes will start the swim in the Tennessee River along Chattanooga’s Riverwalk, where spectators have a great opportunity to watch the entire swim. Athletes will then exit the water at Ross’s Landing park. 🏊
Bike: For the bike course, participants travel 11 miles south of Chattanooga before heading out to 47-mile loops through North Georgia. 🚲
Run: Athletes will complete two loops through downtown Chattanooga, The Tennessee Riverwalk, Veterans Bridge, North Shore, Walnut Street Bridge and Riverfront Parkway. The final stretch to the finish is at Ross’s Landing along the Tennessee River. 👟
How to watch
Check out Ironman’s Spectator Guide for all the details.
Weekend schedule
Friday
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Ironman Village – Ross’s Landing
- 12 p.m. – Pro Athlete Panel – Ross’s Landing
- 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. – Opening Ceremony – Ross’s Landing
Saturday
- 9 a.m. – IRONKIDS Chattanooga Fun Run Race Start – Ross’s Landing
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Ironman Village – Ross’s Landing
Sunday — Race day
- 7:20 a.m. – Pro Start – Curtain Pole Riverwalk Park
- 7:30 a.m. – Age Group Start – Curtain Pole Riverwalk Park
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Ironman Village – Ross’s Landing
- Approx. 3 p.m. – First finisher approaching the finish line
- 12:40 a.m. – Official Race Finish (17 hours after the final athlete enters the water)
Monday
- 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Ironman Village – Ross’s Landing
- 9:30 a.m. – Award Ceremony
- 11 a.m. – 2020 Ironman World Championship Slot Allocation/Rolldown Ceremony
Full event schedule here.
Participant overview
- Athletes are traveling from all 50 states and 35 countries, regions, and territories
- 18-year-old Sydney Crozier will be the youngest female competitor
- 18-year-old Garrett Kemmerly from Gum Spring, VA, will be the youngest male competitor
- 78-year-old Howard Glass from Asheville, N.C. will be the oldest male competitor
- 69-year-old Sandi Wiebe from Boulder, CO will be the oldest female competitor
- Occupations include airline pilot, architect, chef, firefighter, nurse, police officer + writer
