ROCKFORD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois triathletes may not have to travel far to compete next year.
On Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local officials and IRONMAN leadership announced that Rockford will host the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon beginning next year in 2025 through 2027.
The move was supported by a $800,000 grant to the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (Go Rockford) as part of the state’s $15 million Tourism Incentive Grant Program. This is the first time the Ironman will be held in Illinois.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “My administration’s Tourism Incentive Grant Program attracted this major event to Rockford, and we look forward to showcasing Illinois’ natural beauty and world-class hospitality to the thousands of athletes and spectators that will join us over the next three years.”
The Ironman 70.3, or Half Ironman, consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
“We are excited to bring this new IRONMAN 70.3 event to this unique and beautiful area in northern Illinois,” said Eric Atnip, Race Director for the IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon. “Rockford has shown itself to be a charming midwestern destination city with an abundance of outdoor recreation. We are excited to partner with Go Rockford to offer this exciting new option on the North American IRONMAN 70.3 circuit for our many dedicated athletes. We can’t wait for athletes to come experience this welcoming community and see what makes Rockford so special in 2025.”
The event is expected to draw in nearly 3,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors during each race.
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