More than 4,500 athletes representing 91 countries and territories have been pouring into Chattanooga this week to compete in the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10.
This is the first time the championship will be a two-day race, with women competing Saturday and men on Sunday, beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day.
Triathletes ranging in age from 18 to 86 will compete on a course that includes a 1.2-mile swim, 53-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.
Spectators are welcome to watch these physical challenges. A map of parking/shuttle locations and areas with spectator access can be found online at www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/world-championship/spectators/spectator-guide. But any of the bridges spanning the Tennessee River as well as the pedestrian Riverwalk that runs parallel to the river would make ideal viewing locations as well.
These triathletes will bring family with them, who will be dining and lodging all around the city, resulting in a multimillion-dollar financial impact. To entertain these guests, as well as Chattanoogans, and help all feel part of the weekend’s event, the championship’s organizers have scheduled events open to the public.
For the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, triathletes compete in a 1.2-mile swim, 53-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. The runner in this photo is Matthew Russell, who won the 2017 Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 triathlon held here in May.LATE FOR THE TRAIN 5K FUN RUN
» When: 9 a.m. today, Sept. 7
» Where: Ross’s Landing
» Ages: Open to all ages
» Registration: $25
If registration is not sold out online, on-site registration will be offered today from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the post-race athlete food area.
PARADE OF NATIONS
» When: 4-5 p.m. today, Sept. 7
» Where: The parade route will begin on West Aquarium Way, travel up Broad Street, cross West Third to Chestnut Street, continuing back to the riverfront.
IRONKIDS FUN RUN
» When: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8
» Where: Ross’s Landing
» Ages: 3 to 14
» Registration: $15 in advance, $20 on-site, includes race bib, finisher shirt, medal and goodie bag. Only credit/debit cards wll be accepted on-site.
A choice of two courses is offered: half-mile and one-mile. Family and friends are invited to cheer on their racers along the route.
Gentoo penguins are the fastest underwater swimming penguins, reaching speeds up to 22 mph.Tennessee Aquarium showcases animal athletes
Did you know some ants can carry 50 times their body weight? That Alligator Snapping Turtles can hold their breath for 40 minutes or a hummingbird flaps its wings about 80 times a second?
During the upcoming Ironman 70.3 World Championship on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10, and again during the Ironman weekend on Sept. 23-24, visitors to the Tennessee Aquarium will be able to put their own athletic abilities to the test.
Guests can leap like a lemur, solve an octopus puzzle and see how their ability to withstand frigid waters compares to a penguin’s. Then, they’ll meet animals whose extraordinary abilities help them meet these challenges every day.
“We hope that while guests are competing, they also gain an appreciation for some of nature’s most amazing animal feats,” said senior educator/animal trainer Susie Grant. “These remarkable abilities are part of what helps them survive as they search for food and avoid being dinner for someone else.”
Animal Athletes programming is free with Aquarium admission or Aquarium membership. Participants can pick up a score card at the registration table in the River Journey lobby. Upon completing the days’ activities, guests can return to the River Journey Lobby to claim an Animal Athletes medal.
SCHEDULE SATURDAY-SUNDAY
10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Outside Challenges under the River Journey pavilion.
Leaping Lemur Long Jump
Octo-Jar Challenge
Jump Higher than an Arapaima
Ice Water Endurance
Speed Trials
Water Jug Weightlifting
3 and 4 p.m. Critter Close-up in River Journey, Delta Country gallery
3:30 p.m. Super Snakes and Fantastic Frogs, River Journey auditorium
Self-guided activities throughout day:
Wing Flapping: How many beats in one minute? River Journey overlook
Hold Your Breath: How many seconds? Delta Country
Wingspan of an Eagle: How wide is yours? River Journey overlook