As the Ironman triathlon returns to Chattanooga this weekend with sold-out general registration, there are several closures to watch out for.
Starting Saturday morning, spectators and visitors are encouraged to park in the lots and garages surrounding downtown and use the free electric shuttle and Bike Chattanooga bike share system. Bike Chattanooga ambassadors will be at share stations to assist people renting bikes.
The free CARTA Electric Shuttle Downtown will be operating on a modified schedule on Sunday between CARTA Shuttle Park South (at the Chattanooga Choo Choo) and Shuttle Park North (Aquarium/IMAX). The first shuttles will begin at 4 a.m. and leave every 5-10 minutes. The last shuttle will depart at 12:20 a.m. on Monday.
The Ironkid’s race begins at 9 a.m. Saturday on Riverfront Parkway. The Ironman Expo area will be open from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday, from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday on the Chattanooga Green.
Ironman starts at 7:30 a.m. Sunday with the swim portion. Athletes will be transitioning to the bike race from about 8:10 a.m.-1 p.m. Runners will be on the Riverwalk, Amnicola Highway, the Veterans Bridge, Barton Avenue, Hixson Pike and Riverview Road between 12:25 p.m. Sunday and 12:40 a.m. Monday.