Chattanooga Ironman: What to know about road closures, race routes

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Chattanooga is preparing for the full Ironman triathlon Sept. 27, 2026. Jamie Collins of Goose Creek, S.C., competes in the Ironman triathlon Sept. 28, 2025. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Chattanooga is preparing for the full Ironman triathlon Sept. 27, 2026. Jamie Collins of Goose Creek, S.C., competes in the Ironman triathlon Sept. 28, 2025.

By Daniel Dassow September 23, 2026 5 min read

The Ironman, the elite 140.6-mile test of triathlete endurance, returns to Chattanooga on Sunday.

More than 2,500 athletes from around the world are set to visit Chattanooga for the 16.5-hour outdoor race, completing a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run, according to The Ironman Group.

The event generates $6 million of economic impact for Hamilton County, according to the Chattanooga Tourism Co. Ironman events, including the 70.3-mile half Ironman triathlon, have become a central part of the county’s tourism since debuting in Chattanooga in 2014.

Ironman selected Chattanooga to host the 2027 Precision Fuel & Hydration Ironman 70.3 World Championship, as it announced an agreement in June to continue hosting events in the Scenic City for the next five years.