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
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.
IM Local Program
Local Businesses who are offering special discounts or adjusted hours during the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio event are listed below.
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
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!
(Click to Enlarge)
| 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 |
Parking and Street Closures
Where can athletes and spectators park for IRONMAN 2026 in Sandusky?
Public parking will be available in downtown Sandusky during IRONMAN 2026, with several designated lots near the race area. Street parking will also be available on most streets, but parking will not be permitted on the red or purple streets shown on the official street closure map.
Use the maps below to plan where to park, how to access downtown, and which streets to avoid during race weekend.
Public Parking Lots
The following public parking lots are listed on the official IRONMAN 2026 parking map:
- Shelby St. Boat Launch
101 Shelby St.
Please note: vehicles will not be able to leave this lot until the bike course is closed.
- Erie County Garage
158 W. Market St.
Access the garage via Washington St. and Camp St. to Jackson St. During the event, the garage will be exit only via Jackson St. until after 4:00 PM.
- Wayne St. Lot
130 Wayne St.
Access via Water St. from Perry St.
- Market St. Lot
300 E. Market St.
Access via Washington St. to Hancock St.
- Meigs St. Lot
119 Meigs St.
Access via Meigs St.
- Justice Center Lot
222 Meigs St.
Access via Meigs St.
(Click to Enlarge)
Race Day Street Closures
Race day closures are scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. Drivers should expect delays downtown and plan extra time when arriving, parking, or leaving the area.
- Red streets are closed 7:45 AM-4:30 PM.
- Purple streets are closed 6:00 AM-1:30 PM.
- Delays are expected from 6:00 AM-1:30 PM.
- No parking is permitted on red or purple streets from 6:00 AM on July 18 through 6:00 PM on July 19.
Pre-Race Parking and Street Closures
Several downtown parking areas and streets will close before race day and remain closed through Monday, July 20:
- Shelby St. Boat Launch Overflow: closes Monday, July 13
- Jackson Street Pier: closes Wednesday, July 15
- Paper District Marina: closes Thursday, July 16
- 100 blocks of Columbus Ave. and E. Water St.: close Friday, July 17
Good to Know
- Arrive early, especially on race morning.
- Review both maps before heading downtown.
- Avoid parking on streets marked in red or purple.
- Use designated public parking lots when possible.
- Watch for posted signage and follow directions from event staff and local officials.
