Athletes will knock out the 2.4-mile swim first. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Before we know it, more than 2,500 athletes from around the world will be right here in the Scenic City for IRONMAN Chattanooga. Athletes will swim, bike, and run a total of 140.6 miles on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Whether you’re planning to cheer them on, volunteer, or steer clear of the area, we’ve got you covered with the details.
Triathlon specifics
2.4-mile swim
112-mile bike
26.2-mile run
The 26.2-mile run will be the last piece of the race. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
How to watch
The race starts at 7:30 a.m.
All three parts will finish at Ross’s Landing.
You can watch from several designated spectator zones along the course.
You can also download the Ironman Athlete Tracker App to follow athletes in real time. Pro tip: You can track multiple athletes at a time.
How to volunteer
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help with athlete check-in, handing out food and water, crowd support, and more.
You can apply, view shifts, and explore different volunteer roles online.
Food Truck Friday: Fall into Flavors | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga | Free | Explore fall flavors and inventive dishes while connecting with fellow food lovers.
Lookouts vs. Barons | 6 p.m. | AT&T Field | $11+ | The first 1,000 fans will get a Joey Votto replica jersey and everyone is invited to stick around after the game for fireworks.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Salamander Meander | 10-11:30 a.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $15+ | In this hands-on adventure, you can explore the forest floor in search of native reptiles and amphibians.
Chattanooga River Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium Plaza | Free | Shop for handmade jewelry, crafts, candles + more from dozens of local artists.
Honky Tonk Night | 7 p.m. | Barrel House Ballroom | $10 | Get ready for a night of live music and line dancing with lessons from the Hotliners and tunes from Eve Jean and the Falling Stars.
Sunday, Sept. 7
2025 Adventure Days | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | Free | Library card holders 18 and under can take advantage of free zoo admission, hands-on activities, and a custom Adventure Days tote.
Spirit Airlines has only been operating in Chattanooga since June. | Photo provided by Spirit Airlines
Travel
Spirit Airlines is ending service in Chattanooga on Saturday, Oct. 4. The low-cost airline is also cutting flights in 10 other US cities as part of its latest bankruptcy filing. Spirit flew from Chattanooga to Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and Newark. At least we still have Allegiant Airlines. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Shop
Chattanooga Room in the Inn is opening a new thrift store at 3807 Ringgold Rd. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. All proceeds will support local women and children who are experiencing homelessness. The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plan Ahead
Picture this: A beer in one hand, a pretzel in the other, and otters doing cute things. That’s what’s on tap for the Tennessee Aquarium’s OttertoberFest on Friday, Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m. This is a 21+ event and it’s only in the River Journey building. Tickets are on sale now.
Real Estate
Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is up to an estimated $1.7 billion, the third-highest prize in the game’s history. If you manage to land the fortune, you could buy all five of Chattanooga’s most expensive homes.
Seasonal
Crabtree Farms is having its annual Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. There will be thousands of plants and fruit trees for sale, as well as live music and drinks for purchase. Admission and parking are free. (The Pulse)
Health
The Goodwill Opportunity Center in East Brainerd is offering free health insurance advice on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop in for one-on-one guidance on Medicare, Medicaid + learn about Goodwill’s free career and support services. (Chattanoogan)
Mailbag
New NOOGAtoday readers Audra M. and Vanessa E. recently shared their favorite Chattanooga restaurants with us, and now we want to share them with you. Audra says Zaya, a Korean steakhouse in Northshore, is her favorite. Vannessa says her top spot is Scottie’s On The River.
Try This
Fall flavors have arrived at Clumpies’ Ice Cream Co. Stop by any Nooga location or order delivery to try 10 seasonal scoops, including PB Brownie, Chai Latte, Coffee Cake, and new Dairy-Free Oatmeal Crème Pie.*
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
Category
Eat
🥘 What’s cooking in Red Bank
You won’t be hungry after eating this sandwich at Johnny Ringo’s. | Photo by Meghan O’Connor
Those living in Red Bank have some new and expanded food options to check out.
For starters, a new dive bar + grill called Johnny Ringo’s just opened at 5308 Dayton Blvd. It offers lots of delicious-sounding appetizers, including one called Tennessee Twinkies. I know you’re curious — they’re jalapeños stuffed with pulled pork and cheese, wrapped in bacon, and smoked. Johnny Ringo’s also has several sandwich, salad, and pizza options. It’s open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m.
Further down Dayton Boulevard, Clever Alehouse is expanding its hours. Beginning Monday, Sept. 8, it will start serving lunch seven days a week, also starting at 11 a.m. You can expect comfort food like burgers, cheesesteaks, and chicken tenders. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, the restaurant also offers hand-dipped ice cream cones. And if none of that convinced you — how about an arcade in the basement? Games are free to play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
The Buy
The chance to learn a new language during Babbel’s Best Sale of the Year. Turn your morning read into a new daily habit — with Babbel, 10 minutes a day builds real conversation skills you can use on your next trip or at the international festival downtown. Get lifetime access for $199 across all 14 languages.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Itching for some new ink? The Literary Ink tattoo convention starts at noon today and goes through Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Organizers says it’s “the only place where your favorite stories leap off the page and onto your skin.” Grab your tickets.
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