IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford, Illinois
June 22, 2025

This year's race is sold out!  Learn more about the thrilling triathlon race.  Read about the race announcement in the news release.  Find out more about the course, and where to train below.

The course: 

The IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon will kick off with a fast 1.2-mile swim in the Rock River that runs north to south through the center of downtown Rockford. Athletes will enter the water near The Rock Guardians of Rockford, a popular public sculpture by Terese Agnew of four “Rockmen” standing guard over the city. Once out of the water, athletes will transition to the 56-mile single-loop bike course that takes athletes through and north of Rockford. Athletes will be treated to the rolling hills and scenic farmland in the surrounding area while also passing through the quaint Village of Rockton. The 13.1-mile run course will take runners from the transition area at Davis Park on a two-loop journey on the east and west banks of the Rock River. Athletes can expect river views, park greenways and scenic neighborhoods on their way to a finish line in downtown Rockford just a couple of blocks away from transition. Click the links below to check out the IRONMAN Run Course and Bike Course. 

Where to Swim

Purchase a day pass at a Rockford YMCA for $20 for one person or $40 for a family.  Current YMCA members can use the facilities for free with their reciprocal program.  

Practice swimming is not allowed in the Rock River, as it is not open to unsupervised recreational or competitive swimming. The river will only be open for the swim portion on the day of the race.

• The YMCA of Rock River Valley -Swedish American Riverfront YMCA | 200 Y Blvd, Rockford, IL 61107
• The YMCA of Rock River Valley- Northeast Family YMCA | 8451 Orth Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111

Volunteer for IRONMAN Rockford 70.3

Be part of the action and help make history as Rockford hosts its first-ever IRONMAN 70.3! Volunteers are essential in supporting athletes and creating an unforgettable race experience. Whether you're handing out water, guiding participants, or cheering them on, your energy makes a difference.

Click the button below to sign up and volunteer for this incredible event!

Connect with a training group

Contact Mary Tobiason at Mary.tobiason@triatholonlabs.com to learn about Trilabs training program that kicks off in October 2024 at Peak Sports Club. Click here for a flyer with more information.

Where to Bike

The Rockford Region offers a variety of scenic rides at our many parks and preserves, catering to a variety of skill levels.  View a Rockford Region Bicycle Map here.  Rent a bike with The Bicycle Hub in nearby Pecatonica.  Call 815.491.9264 to request a rental.

• Rock River Recreation Path: 10 miles
• Perryville Recreation Path: 14.9 miles (Home Depot to Rock Cut and back)

Where to Run

The bike paths above are all runner-friendly and offer beautiful views.  For a more challenging run, visit Rock Cut State Park for Pierce Lake Trail, a 3.7-mile stunning trail around the perimeter of Pierce Lake.  The second part of this loop is Willow Creek Trail, which adds another 1.5 miles to the run, bringing the total distance to 5.4 miles.  Rock Cut always offers camping.  

Where to Park for Free

Rock River Recreation Path:

• Parking lot adjacent to YMCA Parking lot | 200 Y Blvd, Rockford, IL 61107
• Martin Park | Martin Memorial Park, Loves Park, IL 61111
• Shorewood Park | 235 Evelyn Ave. Loves Park, IL 61111
• Nicholas Conservatory | 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107
• Browns Beach Rd. Parking Lot (North end of the path) | 5021 Browns Beach Rd Rockford, IL 61103

Rock Cut State Park

• Rock Cut Concessions- 7223 West Lane Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111 or “Lone Rock Café”
• Other parking lots throughout

Perryville Recreation Path: Free parking lot near Woodward Governor on Perryville | Zenith Pkwy Loves Park, IL 61111 ( Lot is located at the intersection of Zenith and Perryville)

Midway Village Walking Path: Parking lot (short distance to Perryville path) | 6699 Guilford Rd Rockford, IL 61107

Bathrooms available

• Rock River Recreation Path (public restroom near the intersection of Auburn and bike path)
• Rock Cut State Park (many within the park)

Where To Eat Along Paths

Downtown Rockford's culinary scene offers upscale dining experiences, international cuisine, and river views, all close to the IRONMAN course. Outside of downtown, there is a vast array of cuisine including casual dining, sports bars, and pizzerias.  View all of our local restaurants here. Bike racks are available at Prairie Street Brewing, Lone Rock Cafe, and RBI/Bourbon Street Lounge.

Where to stay

The Rockford Region has many great hotels available.  The official race hotels are Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn.