Drivers in the Augusta area are advised to allow extra time to get to their destinations Sunday as more than 2,300 athletes compete in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon.
The competition features a 1.2-mile swim in the Kennebec River, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. It’s half the distance of a full Ironman triathlon.
It’s the third year for the race in the capital region, and although it begins and ends in Augusta, the bike portion of the race stretches to Dresden, Richmond, Litchfield, Gardiner, West Gardiner and Hallowell.
Then the run is mostly along the Kennebec River Rail Trail.
“Ironman 70.3 Maine is a no-stop race, meaning that while the competitors are traveling along the roads, traffic will be stopped at intersections to give the competitors the right of way,” according to a city press release. “To ensure the safety of both athletes and spectators, we ask all residents and visitors to proceed with caution.”
The city advises using detours when possible, allowing extra time to get to your destination and checking social media channels for updates.
On the Ironman website, organizers say the 2023 event featured the fastest swim time and that the race is a two-time Athlete Choice Award Winner.
Race director Ryan Jarrell said Friday that the company comes back to the Augusta area because of its natural beauty. He said fans should consider downtown Augusta or Hallowell to take in the action.
“It has the DNA for an Ironman event,” he said. “The course is beautiful whether it’s the Kennebec River or the big loop we do in the Kennebec Valley itself.”
And though originally the company signed up for a three-year run in Augusta, last fall officials announced that they were extending the race in the capital region through 2027.