The Rockford region is gearing up to welcome over 2,500 athletes and more than 7,500 visitors for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon on Sunday, June 22, with a community-wide celebration that goes beyond the race. To elevate the visitor experience, GoRockford has engaged local businesses to offer exclusive IRONMAN deals, specials, and extended open hours.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois Deals & Specials Passport includes 36 stops. It encourages athletes, spectators, and residents alike to explore the Rockford region through exclusive offers at local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Participants can sign up online, check in at participating businesses, and unlock deals to earn a limited-edition Rockmen lapel pin with just five check-ins. Photos taken during the challenge may be featured on GoRockford’s social media pages, adding an interactive layer to the experience.
“We are proud to activate our local businesses to bring visitors to their locations,” said Lindsay Arellano, GoRockford Vice President of Sales and Service. “This is more than a race—it’s a chance for Rockford to shine in how it welcomes sports visitors. Hosting a high-profile event, such as an IRONMAN race, enables us to showcase our city's hospitality and excitement on a grand scale.
In addition to the passport, the Rockford region is ready to welcome IRONMAN athletes with special events, including the activation of the Rockford City Market on Friday and a bike route watch party in downtown Rockton. IRONMAN banners, including a 50-foot tall banner at Burnham Lofts, welcome athletes and spectators throughout the city. Rockford region residents are encouraged to cheer on athletes during the race and take part in the passport program.
Local businesses weighed in on their excited to bring IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois to the region. “It is so exciting to have the IRONMAN race coming to our downtown,” said AJ Goff Subversive Cycling Company owner. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to show off what we are made of as a community and personally, with a bike shop near the event I’m proud to be able to support the racers. I encourage everyone to come downtown to enjoy the race and the dozens of great shops food our downtown has to offer.”
“IRONMAN in Rockford?” said Reed Sjostrom Chief Brand & Products Officer at Prairie Street Brewing Co. “Now that’s something to raise a glass to. At Prairie Street Brewing Co., we’re all about endurance, community, and celebrating big moments—especially ones that shine a light on everything our city has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome athletes and visitors to town and invite them to relax with us on the river. Cheers to all the athletes, support staff and the amazing volunteers! Have a great race Rockford!”
Participants can sign up for the passport now and view all participating businesses by visiting:
https://experience.gorockford.com/gorockford/ironman-703-rockford-illinois-specials-and-deals
IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois Event Snapshot:
• Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Swim: 1.2 miles in the Rock River
• Bike: 56 miles through Rockford and the surrounding countryside
• Run: 13.1 miles through downtown Rockford and riverfront trails
• Passport Dates: June 19 - June 22
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lindsay Arellano, GoRockford Vice President of Sales and Service, 815.489.1664, larellano@gorockford.com
