Some 2,500 athletes are steeling themselves for Chattanooga's first Ironman triathlon. The daylong race Sunday, Sept. 28, features a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 116-mile bike ride, followed by a 26.2-mile marathon.
Organizers are expecting about 8,000 spectators along the race course, which starts and ends in Chattanooga, with a detour into North Georgia during the bike portion. Athletes will bike through Chickamauga twice. Generally, start and/or finish lines are near Ross's Landing, 200 Riverfront Parkway.
Visitors also can explore Ironman Village, an expo of Ironman-related goods and services that will be set up at Ross's Landing today through Saturday, Sept. 25-27.
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Find more information - and live coverage Sunday - at www.timesfreepress.com/ironman.
HOW TO WATCH
• Swim course: Starts near Curtain Pole Road (off Amnicola Highway), finishes at Ross's Landing. Watch from the Tennessee Riverwalk. A shuttle to the start site will run from 4:30 to 7 a.m. A shuttle back to Ross's Landing will begin at 8 a.m. Swimmers will begin entering the water around 7:40 a.m., and all competitors should be in the water by 8:20 a.m. Athletes have two hours and 20 minutes to complete the 2.4-mile swim.
• Bike course: Closes at 6:15 p.m. Heads south into North Georgia, where spectator viewing will be set up at miles 50 and 95. Free shuttles will run from Ross's Landing to the North Georgia town from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Run course: Closes at 12:15 a.m. Transition area is Ross's Landing. Other recommended spots: Riverfront Parkway, Walnut Street Bridge, North Shore.
ROAD CLOSURES
ROADS CLOSED through 8 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 29
• Riverfront Parkway: Closed from Molly Lane to Aquarium Way
• Chestnut Street: Closed from Aquarium Way to Riverfront Parkway
• Power Alley: Closed from parking lot to Riverfront Parkway
ROADS CLOSED 5 a.m.-6 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
• Interstate 24 exit ramp to southbound Market Street
• Southbound Market Street to the I-24 exit ramp
PARTIAL CLOSURES - one lane closed SEPT. 28
• Southbound Riverfront: Closed from Molly Way to Market Street, 5 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Eastbound W. 20th: Closed from Riverfront Parkway to Market Street, 5 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Market Street: From Southbound Market Street to Alton Park Boulevard, 5 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Westbound Riverside Drive/Amnicola Highway: From Lindsey to Riverfront Road 5 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Lindsay Street: From Riverside Drive to East Fourth Street, 5 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Fourth Street: From Lindsay Street to Veterans Bridge, 5 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Veterans Bridge: From Fourth Street to Riverview Road, 5 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Eastbound Frazier Avenue: From Walnut Street Bridge to Barton Avenue, 5 a.m.-1 a.m.
Source: Ironman