SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — With the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Northern California race just weeks away, some residents along the planned route say they are still looking for answers about where athletes will travel and how road closures could affect them on race day.
Next month, athletes are set to compete in the 70.3-mile event beginning at Whiskeytown Lake. The race will start with a 1.2-mile open-water swim before competitors head into the first transition area.
From there, athletes will begin a 56-mile bike ride, leaving Whiskeytown on Highway 299 and traveling through Rock Creek Road, Keswick Dam Road, Oasis Road, Old Oregon Trail, Bear Mountain Road, Dry Creek Road, Old Alturas Road, Deschutes Road, Airport Road and Hartnell Avenue before finishing the bike portion in downtown Redding.
With road closures planned along the course, some people who live in those areas said they are worried about access during the event.
“I live just off of Dry Creek on Elk Trail West, so I would literally be trapped in my house, or have to stay away while they’re running this race,” said resident John Yoder.
In a statement, Ironman said the route was developed with local partners and with safety and community impacts in mind.
The Ironman 70.3 Northern California bike course was developed in close collaboration with the City of Redding, Caltrans, local agencies, and public safety partners, with athlete safety, community impact, and race experience serving as key priorities. Roads such as Bear Mountain Road and Dry Creek Road were selected for their road conditions, scenic landscape, and ability to deliver a challenging and enjoyable race experience while minimizing disruption to residents. We believe the course has the potential to establish IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California triathlon as one of the premier race destinations in the country for both first-time and experienced athletes.
After the bike ride, athletes will complete a two-lap, 13.1-mile run through downtown Redding, crossing the Sundial Bridge and following the Sacramento River Trail before finishing near the Redding Civic Auditorium.
Yoder also said they had not received information about the event.
“I haven’t been notified of anything. None of us that I know of. None of us neighbors have received any kind of phone call or letter or anything explaining what’s going on,” Yoder said.
Organizers said roads will reopen in stages as the last athletes clear each section of the course.
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