Where to watch Ironman 70.3 Rockford
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The first-ever Ironman race in Illinois is coming to Rockford later this month, and we have a quick guide for where to watch and park.
The Ironman 70.3 Rockford is sold out, with 2,500 athletes participating from 13 countries and more than 30 U.S. states, according to GoRockford.
The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run through Rockford and its surrounding communities.
The race begins at 7 a.m. Sunday, June 22, and spectators are encouraged to cheer on competitors. The starting point is near the Rock Guardians of Rockford sculpture and the finish line is in the 100 block of South Main Street near the BMO Center.
Here’s a break down of places to watch, according to GoRockford.
Swim course
The triathlon begins with a 1.2-mile downriver swim on the Rock River starting at The Rock Guardians of Rockford sculpture and ending at Davis Park. See the course HERE.
Watch spots
- Rock River Recreation Path (parking at SwedishAmerican YMCA, 200 Y Blvd.)
- Riverfront Museum Park path, 711 N. Main St.
- Prairie Street Brewhouse docks, 200 Prairie St.
- Rockford Public Library riverwalk, 215 N. Wyman St.
- State and Jefferson Street bridge sidewalks
Bike course
The bike course begins at Davis Park and makes a 56-mile single-loop bike course that moves through Rockford and northern Winnebago County. Most of the bike course goes through rural areas in northern Winnebago County, with limited spectator access due to road closures. Get a closer look at the course HERE.
Watch spots
- 100-200 block off South Wyman Street, Rockford
- 200-300 block of West State Street, Rockford
- Main Street in downtown Rockton, 8 a.m. to noon
Run course
The final leg of the Ironman is a 13.1-mile double-loop run course near the banks of the Rock River. Get a closer look at the course HERE.
Watch spots
- Grassy area along the Rock River Recreation Path (Park at YMCA 200 Y Blvd.)
- Riverfront Museum Park parking lot, 711 N. Main St.
- National Avenue
- Finish line, near South Main and Elm streets
Rockton spectator party
What: Shop, eat at food trucks and make signs to cheer on competitors as they race by on their bikes.
Where: Main Street in downtown Rockton
When: 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 22
Where to park on race day
Special event parking is available for $5 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 and Main parking 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.
For more info, go to gorockford.com/ironman.
