IRONMAN 70.3 returns to Chattanooga and Walker County on Sunday, May 23. The triathlon was unable to be held in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The race this spring will follow IRONMAN’s Safe Return to Racing Guidelines, a set of industry-leading guidelines prepared in accordance with standards for open-air endurance events from the World Health Organization and guidance from the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board that builds on the pillars of enhanced hygiene, screening and education, density reduction, touchpoint minimization, and athlete self-reliance.
“It’s hard to put it into words,” said Brian Myrick, race director for IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. “Our passion for putting on events is only surpassed by our athlete’s passion for racing. We have worked hard to implement our Safe Return to Racing Guidelines that will allow us to conduct these races safely and in doing so, the feeling of getting back to doing what we love in racing is priceless. We are learning event-by-event and we are looking forward to working with Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and Walker County to bring back racing under safe and enjoyable conditions for all involved.”
The IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon team has worked closely with the city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Walker County and the state of Georgia to make sure guidelines set forth by those agencies ensure a great race experience for everyone involved, said officials.
The course takes athletes on a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run south of downtown Chattanooga, into north Georgia and Walker County, providing views of Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River. Athletes will take on a new swim course in the Tennessee River this year when they swim directly downriver, making for faster swim times. The bike course offers a view of Lookout Mountain as participants head out 11 miles south of town for a rolling 34-mile loop. The day ends with a chance to enjoy Chattanooga’s many tourist attractions as athletes take in the Tennessee Riverwalk and the beautiful Riverfront Parkway during the two-loop run.
The popular early-season IRONMAN 70.3 event offers participants the opportunity to compete with a scenic, mountainous backdrop and riverfront views. Volunteering is one of the best ways for friends and families to see their athletes on race day. Anyone who’s interested should email imchattanooga@ironmanvolunteers.com or submit an application at www.ironman.com/volunteer.
IRONMAN will return to Chattanooga and Walker County on September 26, when it will host the 2021 IRONMAN North American TriClub Championship at the 2021 Little Debbie IRONMAN Chattanooga.