SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The largest Ironman event in North America takes place in the Sacramento area on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Ironman California includes a 2.4-mile swim in the Sacramento River, followed by a 112-mile bike course through farmland and wine country, and then a 26.2-mile marathon to the California State Capitol.
Visit Sacramento estimates the event generates $16 million for the region.
Here’s what to know about watching the event, the forecast and traffic impacts.
How to cheer on the Ironman California athletes?
Download the Ironman app to track athletes.
Want to give them a boost on the course? Visit Sacramento offers a sign-making station at the Ironman Village on Capitol Mall between 3rd and 4th streets.
Visit Sacramento and race organizers also recommend these locations to take in the race, which begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday.
How to watch the swim:
Tiscornia Park at 195 Jibboom Street is the swim course starting point.Tower Bridge and the River Walk trail offer a view of the swimmers exiting the water.You can also see the swimmers in action at the Old Sacramento waterfront.
How to watch cycling:
You can watch this part of the race from Riverfront Street and Ballpark Drive.Silt Wine Company at 32555 Jefferson Boulevard hosts an official watch party with breakfast burritos, wine and music.Other West Sacramento spots recommended by Visit Sacramento include the French bakery Franquette at 956 Bridge Street and Drake’s: The Barn at 985 Riverfront Street.Race organizers say you can also watch cyclists from Dave’s Pumpkin Patch by entering off Jefferson Boulevard and following detour signs.
How to watch the run:
Visit Sacramento says Franquette and Drake’s: The Barn also allow you to catch the first lap of the run.You can also see the runners from spots in Old Sacramento, Discovery Park, or by checking out the finish line along the Capitol Mall between 5th and 6th streets. The finish area will include food trucks and a beer garden.What’s the forecast for Ironman California?
Meteorologist Tamara Berg said water temperatures for the river on Sunday will be 62 degrees. Air temperatures will be in the mid-50s.
By the time athletes hit their bikes, there will be warm, light winds with 82-degree temperatures.
The temperatures will cool into the 60s by 8 p.m. for runners.
Check the latest forecast here.
What are the Ironman California traffic impacts?
Expect traffic closures in parts of Sacramento, Yolo and Solano counties.
Race week: Oct. 13 at 6 a.m. to Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.
Capitol Mall: 3rd Street to 5th Street.
Freeway ramp closures: Sunday, Oct. 18
Eastbound Highway 50 on-ramp: Highway 50 on-ramp to the River Road on-ramp near 15th Street; 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Northbound I-5 off-ramp: I-5 north off-ramp to Q Street; 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.Southbound I-5 off-ramp: I-5 south off-ramp to Q Street; 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.
Yolo County: Sunday, Oct. 18
Babel Slough Road: South River Road to Jefferson Boulevard/SR 84; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Jefferson Boulevard/SR 84: Babel Slough Road to Courtland Road; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Courtland Road: Jefferson Boulevard/SR 84 to Ryer Avenue; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Highway 84/Ryer Avenue: Courtland Road to Oxford Road; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Solano County: Sunday, Oct. 18
Ryer Avenue: Oxford Road to Holland Road; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Miner Slough Bridge: Holland Road to Ryer Road; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.East Ryer Road: Miner Slough Bridge to Elevator Road; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
West Sacramento: Sunday, Oct. 18
Cabaldon Parkway (Tower Bridge): Riverfront Street to Front Street (east side); 7 a.m. to midnight Monday.Riverfront Street: Mill Street to Cabaldon Parkway (Tower Bridge); 3 a.m. to 8 p.m.Ballpark Drive: 5th Street to Riverfront Street; 3 a.m. to 8 p.m.Mill Street: Riverfront Street to 5th Street; 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.South River Road: Mill Street to Locks Drive; 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Village Parkway: South River Road to Gregory Avenue; 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Gregory Avenue: Village Parkway to South River Road; 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.South River Road: Gregory Avenue to Babel Slough Road; 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sacramento: Sunday, Oct. 18
Capitol Mall: 5th Street to 10th Street; noon to 2 a.m. Monday.Cabaldon Parkway (Tower Bridge): Riverfront Street to Front Street (east side); 7 a.m. to midnight Monday.Neasham Circle: Front Street (Old Sacramento) to Front Street; 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday.Front Street (Old Sacramento): L Street to J Street; 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday.Front Street southbound: Neasham Circle to R Street overpass; 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.R Street: 2nd Street to 6th Street; 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.6th Street: R Street to L Street; 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.N Street: 6th Street to 7th Street; 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday.
Ironkids race: Saturday, Oct. 17
Riverfront Street: Cabaldon Parkway to Mill Street; 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Download Ironman California’s traffic guide here.
Related Ironman California coverage