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.
$2 Off | IRONMAN Day Pass
- Valid: July 13, 2026 - July 22, 2026
Fuel your IRONMAN week with the perfect remote work spot! Enjoy $2 off a Day Pass at Work Space Sandusky from July 13 - July 22, 2026. Whether you’re an…
Exclusive Athlete Access to Members-Only Calibur Club
- Valid: July 16, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Show your race credentials, bib, and/or medal and receive entry into the members-only Calibur Club Restaurant, Sauna, Cigar Lounge, and Lounge. ** Call ahead…
IRONMAN Smoothie Bowl
- Valid: July 16, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Along with the full menu, Maca Root will be offering the IRONMAN Acai Smoothie Bowl with 10g of protein for $14. The IRONMAN Acai Smoothie Bowl is topped with…
$2 Off Adult Round-Trip Fare
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Show your race bib, medal, and/or other race credentials for $2 off Adult Round-Trip Fare to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island, Ohio. Discounted ticket must be…
$29.99 Athlete Recovery Session
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Athletes who show your race bib, medal, and/or credentials will receive a medical grade red light bed with recovery spray all for $29.99. Hours…
$70.30 Off All Tours
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Book your ride at www.SanduskyPedal.com and use the promo code: IRONMAN70.3 to get $70.30 off your ride booked during the IRONMAN weekend (Fri. 7/17 - Sun…
20% Off
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Athletes who show their race credentials, bib, and/or medal will receive 20% off throughout IRONMAN weekend.
20% off
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Athletes who show their race credentials, race bib, and/or medal will receive 20% off throughout IRONMAN weekend.
20% Off On IRONMAN Weekend
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Show your race bib, medal, and/or credentials and receive 20% off your total bill.
Spend $50 and Receive $10 Gift Card
- Valid: July 17, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Athletes who spend $50 in one day during offer period at any Sandusky Mall store(s) can take their receipts to Guest Services and show your race bib, medal…
10% Off
- Valid: July 18, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Show your race bib, medal, and/or credentials and receive 10% off the store (excluding luxury consignment items). Saturday and Sunday only Hours…
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
- 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
- 3 min. read
Indulge in a Delicious Journey and Earn Rewards with the New Sweet Treats Trail
Shores & Islands Ohio has just launched a new fully interactive trail, similar to the Cheers and Heritage trails, where participants can earn points towards fun prizes simply for checking-in via their mobile… Learn More — Indulge in a Delicious Journey and Earn Rewards with the New Sweet Treats Trail
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 | Lawrence St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Lawrence St | Shoreline Dr | Water St | 6 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Water St/ Shelby St | Lawrence 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 |
| 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 | 7/19 at 12 AM to 7/22 at 12 AM |
| Water St | Columbus Ave | Wayne St | 7/19 at 12 AM to 7/22 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 |
| Heywood Rd | Bardshar Rd | Thicket Rd |
| Thicket Rd | Heywood Rd | Prairie Rd (OH 269) |
| Prairie Rd (OH 269) | Thicket Rd | Oxbo Rd |
| Oxbo Rd | Prairie Rd (OH 269) | Northwest Rd (312) |
| Northwest Rd (CR 312) | Oxbo Rd | Vickery Rd (CR 247) |
| OH 269 | Dining Rd | 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 |
| Homegardner Rd | Bardshar Rd | Tiffin Ave (101) |
| Tiffin Ave/ US 6 | Homegardner Rd | US6/Tiffin Ave |
| 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) | Beeler Rd (CR 229) |
| Beeler Rd (CR 223) | Shock Rd (204) | 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) | Dining Rd (CR 29) |
| Dining Rd (CR 29) | Southwest Rd (CR 312) | OH 269 |

