IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Join us in Sandusky, OH for an invigorating ferry swim start as you leap into Lake Erie for a 1.2-mile swim, a fast-flat 56-mile bike through rural farmland roads, and a 13.1-mile run through historic downtown Sandusky – all while surrounded by spectators in this exciting coastal destination.
Here you can find information on the IM Local Program that connects IRONMAN athletes and event volunteers to local business to help you experience the best of Shores & Islands Ohio! Find places to stay, restaurants, and other exciting attractions in the area. The following businesses will be offering special discounts and perks to patrons who show they are part of the IRONMAN event.
Feel the Excitement!
Get Involved with IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
Register to Race
Ready to take on IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio? Sign up to swim, bike, and run through Shores & Islands Ohio, then start planning your race-week stay.
Volunteer on Race Day
Support athletes and welcome visitors during IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio. Volunteer roles help create a smooth, memorable race-day experience.
ATHLETES’ CHOICE AWARDS WINNER
The IRONMAN 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards winners are in...
Highlighting the highest-scoring events in a variety of categories based on athletes’ post-event surveys from all 2024 races from around North America, IRONMAN70.3 Ohio was voted:
# 2 Best Race (Overall Satisfaction)
# 4 Best Bike
# 5 Most Recommended

The course will encompass a 1.2 mile swim, a fast-flat 56 mile bike through Erie Counties farmland roads, and a 13.1 mile run through historic downtown Sandusky!
Located along the Sandusky Bay shoreline, Sandusky has been named the Best Coastal Small Town in America! This growing destination is home to world class amusement park, Cedar…
IRONMAN Ohio Shake-Out Guide
Whether athletes want to loosen up after travel, preview the region, or keep race-week nerves in check, Shores & Islands Ohio offers simple swim, bike, and run options before race day. From Lake Erie beach access and indoor aquatic centers to local bike rides and community runs, visitors can find ways to move at their own pace throughout the week.
Practice options include swims at Cedar Point Beach and Nickel Plate Beach, indoor pool time at Sandusky Aquatic Center or Norwalk Recreation Center, casual ride opportunities like the Happy Thursday Bike Ride, and race-week running events including Fat Guy in a Little Race 0.5K, Osborn MetroPark parkrun, and the Waffle Iron Youth Run. Athletes should check each location or event for current hours, access details, parking, weather conditions, and safety guidance before heading out.
Looking for more?
Where to eat, stay, and more!
IM Local Program
Local Businesses who are offering special discounts or adjusted hours during the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio event are listed below.
Local Events During IRONMAN Week
IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio brings more than race-day excitement to Sandusky and the surrounding Shores & Islands Ohio region. During their stay, athletes, families, volunteers, and spectators can explore local concerts, community celebrations, family activities, dining events, and other happenings that make the trip part race, part getaway. Check the event listings below for dates, times, locations, and details.
Lake Erie Love Blogs
- 3 min. read
Sandusky Welcomes Back IRONMAN 70.3 for a Fifth Year of Triathlon Excitement
From the unique sunrise swim start off a ferry in Sandusky Bay to the electric downtown finish line on the newly renovated Columbus Avenue corridor, this race showcases the very best of what it means to have Lake… Learn More — Sandusky Welcomes Back IRONMAN 70.3 for a Fifth Year of Triathlon Excitement
- 1 min. read
Fun For All: 12 Family Fun Must-do’s
Shores & Islands Ohio is made for families! With something for everyone, there’s no shortage of fun and engaging activities. The whole family will love making vacation memories together. Cruise to an… Learn More — Fun For All: 12 Family Fun Must-do’s
- 16 min. read
What’s New for 2025 at Shores & Islands Ohio
Get ready for an unforgettable season in Shores & Islands Ohio, where 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling years yet. From record-breaking roller coasters at Cedar Point to new water park… Learn More — What’s New for 2025 at Shores & Islands Ohio
2026 Traffic Impact
The IRONMAN 70.3 Team would like to thank you for your hospitality during the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio. On Sunday, July 19, athletes will visit your city to test their physical and mental limits. Over the course of the day, they will complete a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run in succession. The routes were chosen to highlight the various areas that we feel showcase the unique setting of Sandusky. We appreciate your support and ask that you travel with caution and allow for additional travel time to your destination. Participants count on you for motivation on race day, so bring your friends and cheer them on! We look forward to a great event and hope to see you out there!
| BIKE COURSE ROAD CLOSURES (NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC) JULY 19, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROAD IMPACTED | FROM | TO | TIMES OF IMPACT |
| Shoreline Dr | Fulton St | Wayne St | 5 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Lawrence St | Shoreline Dr | Water St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Water St/ Shelby St | Shelby St | Market St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Market St | Shelby St | Pearl St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Pearl St | Market St | Tiffin Ave | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Shoreline Dr | Fulton St | Lawrence St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Mason Rd | OH 269 | Maple Ave (CR 103) | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Heywood Rd | Bardshar Rd | Homegardner Rd | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| RUN COURSE ROAD CLOSURES (NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC) JULY 19, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROAD IMPACTED | FROM | TO | TIMES OF IMPACT |
| Shoreline Dr | Wayne St | Fulton St | 5 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Decatur St | Shoreline Dr | Water St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Water St | Decatur St | Lawrence St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Lawrence St | Water St | Market St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Market St | Lawrence St | Perry St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Perry St | Market St | Adams St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Adams St | Perry St | Shelby St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Shelby St | Adams St | Madison St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Madison St | Shelby St | Meigs St | 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Columbus Ave | Market St | Water St | 7/18 at 12 AM to 7/20 at 12 AM |
| Water St | Columbus Ave | Wayne St | 7/17 at 12 AM to 7/20 at 12 AM |
| All east bound traffic on SR 2 heading toward Cedar Point should use SR4 (Hayes Ave) exit ramp 134. Exit ramps 131 and 133 will be closed. | |||
NO PARKING on the streets listed above
from 7/18 at 6 PM to 7/19 6 PM.
For downtown access north of Monroe during closures, use Washington St (via Camp St) and Jefferson St (via Meigs St). To access Shoreline Dr east of Jackson St Pier, use Meigs St (via Water St).
| BIKE COURSE DELAYS FROM 6:30 AM TO 1 PM | ERIE & SANDUSKY COUNTY | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROAD IMPACTED | FROM | TO |
| Tiffin Ave/ US 6 | Pearl St | Fremont Ave |
| Fremont Ave/ US 6 | Venice Rd | Bardshar Rd |
| Bardshar Rd | Fremont Ave | Miller Rd |
| Homegardner Rd | Bardshar Rd | Heywood Rd |
| Heywood Rd | Homegardner Rd | Prairie Rd (OH 269) |
| Prairie Rd (OH 269) | Heywood Rd | Oxbo Rd |
| Oxbo Rd | Prairie Rd (OH 269) | Northwest Rd (312) |
| Northwest Rd (CR 312) | Oxbo Rd | Vickery Rd (CR 247) |
| OH 269 | Portland Rd (CR 175) | Mason Rd |
| Mason Rd | OH 269 | Maple Ave (CR 103) |
| Maple Ave (CR 103) | Mason Rd | Miller Rd |
| Miller Rd | Maple Ave (CR 103) | Bardshar Rd |
| Vickery Rd/ Whitmore Rd (CR 247) | Northwest Rd (CR 312) | CR 232 |
| CR 232 | Vickery (CR 247) | Balsizer Rd (239) |
| Balsizer Rd (239) | CR 232 | Shock Rd (204) |
| Shock Rd (204) | Balsizer Rd (239) | Castalia Rd |
| Castalia Rd | Shock Rd (204) | N. Township Line Rd (N. Co. Rd 198) |
| N. Township Line Rd (N. Co. Rd 198) | Castalia Rd | Beeler Rd (CR 229) |
| Beeler Rd (CR 223) | N. Township Line Rd (N. Co. Rd 198) | CR 232 |
| CR 232 | Beeler Rd (CR 229) | Bookmeyer (CR 223) |
| Bookmeyer (CR 223) | CR 232 | CR 260 |
| CR 260 | Bookmeyer (CR 223) | Maple St (101) |
| Maple St (101) | CR 260 | CR 268 |
| CR 268 | Maple St (101) | Ridge Rd (CR 175) |
| Ridge Rd/ Portland Rd (CR 175) | CR 268 | Southwest Rd (CR 312) |
| Southwest (CR 312) | Ridge Rd Portland (CR 175) | OH 269 |

