Rockford to Host Ironman 70.3 Event in Three-Year Agreement

Ironman has announced that it will host its first event in the state of Illinois with the Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The triathlon is scheduled to debut on June 22, 2025.

“Ironman 70.3 athletes push themselves to continually improve, to be better each day, to not settle for less than their personal best,” said John Groh, president and chief executive officer of GoRockford. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ironman and look forward to welcoming their athletes and fans to our city.”

Located in northern Illinois, the Rockford Ironman event will provide a swim, bike and run course that takes athletes through Rockford and the countryside north of the city.

“We are excited to bring this new Ironman 70.3 event to this unique and beautiful city in northern Illinois in 2025,” said Eric Atnip, race director for the Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon. “Rockford has shown itself to be an appealing midwestern destination city with an abundance of outdoor recreation. We are excited to partner with GoRockford to offer this exciting new option on the North American Ironman 70.3 Series circuit for our many dedicated athletes and new ones excited to race in Illinois.”

The new race was made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Incentive Grant Program, which aims to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois.

“The Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon is a fantastic addition to our state’s sports tourism industry, bringing a significant boost to the Rockford community and its local businesses,” said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois DCEO. “We look forward to welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world to experience the charm and outdoor recreation that Rockford offers.”