JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Jacksonville is getting ready to welcome thousands of athletes, spectators and volunteers from across the country for the inaugural IRONMAN Jacksonville triathlon on Saturday, May 16.<\/p>\n
The endurance race features a course designed to showcase the heart of Florida\u2019s largest city. Here\u2019s everything you need to know before race day.<\/p>\n
The course<\/p>\n
Athletes will kick off the event with a 2.4-mile point-to-point swim in the St. Johns River, aided by the incoming tide. Spectators can catch the action from the riverwalk.<\/p>\n
IRONMAN Jacksonville swim course (IRONMAN)<\/p>\n
From there, competitors will transition to a flat, fast 112-mile bike course that winds through downtown Jacksonville, down San Jose Boulevard, along A1A with and through Nocatee before heading back north.<\/p>\n
IRONMAN Jacksonville bike course (IRONMAN)<\/p>\n
The race concludes with a 26.2-mile run through Jacksonville\u2019s oldest neighborhoods, featuring rolling sections that ultimately lead athletes to a finish line at Riverfront Plaza.<\/p>\n
IRONMAN Jacksonville run course (IRONMAN)<\/p>\n
Full course details are available here.<\/a> <\/p>\n Traffic impacts<\/p>\n The scale of IRONMAN Jacksonville means temporary road closures and traffic pattern changes will be in effect throughout race week and on race day. Downtown Jacksonville and areas along the swim, bike and run courses will see the most significant disruptions.<\/p>\n Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. Up-to-date traffic information, including maps and closure times, is available here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Volunteer opportunities<\/p>\n Organizers say hundreds of local volunteers will play a critical role in making race day a success. From athlete check-in and aid stations to finish-line support, community members are needed across a range of roles.<\/p>\n