GoRockford invites residents and visitors to experience the excitement of IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois on Sunday, June 14, by cheering on athletes throughout the course and at the downtown finish line. The triathlon includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run through Rockford, rural Winnebago County, and Rockton.

With 2,267 registered athletes and approximately 7,500 spectators expected from across the country and around the world, the world-class triathlon is projected to generate an estimated $7 million in economic impact for the region.

"With athletes and spectators traveling from around the world, IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford provides a remarkable opportunity to introduce visitors to our community," said John Groh, president/CEO of GoRockford. "Race weekend showcases our riverfront, downtown, neighborhoods, rural country roads, and hospitality while demonstrating why Rockford and our region continue to grow as a premier destination for major sporting events."

Registrations By the Numbers
Registered athletes: 2,267 registered athletes

  • US states represented: 30
  • Countries athletes are traveling from: 19
    • Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom and United States.
  • First-Time IRONMAN participants: 3.6%, 81 athletes
  • Local athletes
  • 95 people are from Rockford (4.3% of athletes)
  • 21 From Belvidere
  • 16 Loves Park
  • 15 Roscoe
  • 12 Machesney Park
  • 11 Rockton


Volunteer Support:

  • 1,213 residents have signed up to serve in 1,549 volunteer spots on race day (as of June 10).

Spectators can experience the excitement of race day from several designated viewing areas throughout the course, helping to create an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes.

Top Viewing Locations for Spectators

SWIM COURSE (1.2 miles) – 7 a.m.

  • Rock River Recreation Path
    • (Park at YMCA – 200 Y Blvd.; Nicholas Conservatory lots are closed for the Swim Course)
  • Riverfront Museum Park riverfront path – 711 N. Main St.
  • Rockford Public Library riverfront path – 215 N. Wyman St.
  • Jefferson St., State St., and Chestnut St bridge sidewalks

BIKE COURSE (56 miles) – beginning approximately 7:30 a.m.

  • 100–200 blocks of S. Wyman St., Rockford
  • 200–300 blocks of W. State St., Rockford
  • Downtown Rockton – Main Street, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Note: Much of the bike course travels through rural Winnebago County, with limited spectator access due to road closures.

RUN COURSE (13.1 miles) – beginning approximately 9:30 a.m.

  • Rock River Recreation Path (Park at YMCA, 200 Y Blvd. or Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St.)
    • NOTE: The path is CLOSED to allow athletes to run the course. Spectate from grassy areas adjacent to the path.
  • Riverfront Museum Park parking lot – 711 N. Main St.
  • National Ave., Rockford (please follow all traffic and closure instructions)
  • City Market Pavilion, 115 N. Water St.

FINISH LINE – beginning approximately 10:45 a.m.

  • 100 block of S. Main St., downtown Rockford

RACE DAY PARKING

Special event parking is available for $5/day at three downtown Rockford parking garages:

  • Concourse Parking Garage – 200 S. Church St. (open all day)
  • Pioneer Parking Garage – 311 N. Main St. (open all day)
  • State & Main Garage – 301 W. State St. (Must enter before 6:30 a.m., cannot exit until after 2 p.m.)

Street parking and surface lots are also available throughout the downtown area. Be sure to follow all posted NO PARKING signage.

Media may register for credentials at https://www.ironman.com/about/press-info/credential-requests. 

Athlete inquiries may be directed to Illinois70.3@ironman.com.  

For complete race weekend information, including course maps, road closures, parking, event schedules, volunteer opportunities, and local business specials, visit gorockford.com/ironman.

To learn more about the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN 70.3 brands and series of events, please visit www.ironman.com.