In First For Illinois, Ironman 70.3 Series Coming To Rockford

ROCKFORD, IL — Illinois will host an official Ironman 70.3 triathlon, also known as a Half Ironman, for the first time starting next year, officials announced Monday.

A Half Ironman consists of a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 56-mile bike ride and then a 13.1-mile run.

Ironman representatives, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state and local local officials announced the Rockford triathlon will take place in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

“We are excited to bring this new IRONMAN 70.3 event to this unique and beautiful city in northern Illinois in 2025,” race director Eric Atnip said in a statement. “Rockford has shown itself to be an appealing midwestern destination city with an abundance of outdoor recreation."

The swim course for the 2025 triathlon will take place in the Rock River, starting near the Rock Guardians sculptures head downstream before finishing at Davis Park.

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The bike course will loop through the area north of Rockford over gently rolling hills and scenic farmland and potentially passing through Rockton Township.

The run course will consist of a two-loop journey from Davis Park along the east and west banks of the Rock River before that finishes in downtown Rockford.

“I am thrilled another internationally recognized company sees the value and draw of Rockford." said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.

"Companies like Hard Rock International, the Chicago Blackhawks and now IRONMAN are choosing our community for major events and investments," McNamara said. "This speaks volumes about Rockford’s strength, appeal and reputation as a prime destination. IRONMAN, welcome to Rockford.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity provided an $800,000 grant to the Rockford area tourism bureau to cover the costs of the triathlon, which is expected to generate more than $45 million in "economic impact" through 2027, according to Pritzker's administration.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to Illinois,” Pritzker said in a statement. “My administration’s Tourism Incentive Grant Program attracted this major event to Rockford, and we look forward to showcasing Illinois’ natural beauty and world-class hospitality to the thousands of athletes and spectators that will join us over the next three years.”

Ironman triathlons began in Hawaii in 1978. Its promoter's ownership has changed hands multiple times. Most recently, Advance Publications purchased the Ironman Group — composed of Ironman Triathlon Series, the Ironman 70.3 series and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series — from the Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group for a reported $730 million.

General registration opens July 1 for the June 22, 2025, race.