CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Up to 2,500 professional and amateur athletes are expected to descend on southwest Utah for the 2023 Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship, along with the road closures and traffic impacts that accompany them on race day, Saturday, May 6.
Unlike the historic two-day IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship that brought over 6,000 athletes to Washington County last October, this year’s event returns to the smaller, single-day race to which most Southern Utah residents are accustomed.
“This one is going to be a bit easier on the community,” St. George Police Officer Tiffany Mitchell said.
To help the event run smoothly, local agencies like the St. George Police Department and UDOT have been working with the IRONMAN Group and the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office to coordinate efforts and information regarding the traffic impacts the returning triathlon brings.
The 70.3-mile race includes swimming, cycling and running. While the swimming portion starts the race at Sand Hollow State Park, the remainder takes place on some of the county’s roadways as it cuts through parts of Hurricane, Washington City, St. George, Ivins and Snow Canyon State Park before finishing at Town Square Park in downtown St. George.
As a way to help county residents prepare for race day and be aware of event-related road closures and detours, Greater Zion has supplied detailed information on area traffic impacts and how to avoid them on its website. This information is split between the various neighborhoods and communities the race runs through, which is detailed on an interactive map found on the site. The map is also posted below.
People with questions and concerns about the traffic impacts can call the IRONMAN helpline at 435-301-7428 or send an email to [email protected].
Mitchell recommends that people who want to follow the race text “GZIRONMAN” to 88777 for updates during race day.
“With some planning ahead and patience, everyone should be able to get where they’re going without any trouble,” Mitchell said.
Interactive course map
Tips for getting around on IRONMAN day
- Get errands completed on days prior to road closure.
- Plan your route to/from work, if you work on event day.
- Reschedule regular deliveries; opt for delivery times other than Saturday.
- Avoid crossing the race route; find alternative through routes.
View the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship race course, neighborhood notifications, road closures and an interactive map at IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com.
Written by MORI KESSLER for St. George News.
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