This weekend, athletes from all over the country will be visiting Madison to take part in the Ironman races. The 70.3-mile half triathlon will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 while the full 140.6-mile Ironman will be on Sunday, Sept. 10 — both will start at 7 a.m.
Whether you want to get a glimpse of the action or avoid the area, here’s an overview of where the Ironman events will be:
Swim
Law Park Beach, 410 S. Blair St.
Half | 1.2 miles | One lap
Athletes will start and finish from the boat launch.
Full | 2.4 miles | Two laps
Same as the half course, but athletes will swim two laps.
Watch | Get an unobstructed view from the Monona Terrace or the Capitol City Trail along the shore at the park.
Bike
Starts and ends at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr.
Half | 56 miles | One loop
The course runs south past Lake Waubesa, turns north from County Road D onto Remy Road, and will cut eastward back towards the Monona Terrace via Whalen Road.
Full | 112 miles | Two loops
Bikers will travel down John Nolen Drive, through Verona towards Mt Horeb, and head east at Cross Plains to close the loop.
Watch | Organizers suggest finding a viewing spot in downtown Verona.
Run
Starts at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., and ends on MLK Jr. Boulevard.
Half | 13.1 miles | One loop
Runners will stick to the south shore of the isthmus, and turn around at Olbrich Park to get back to the terrace.
Full | 26.2 miles | Two loops
The full course kicks off with a square loop before branching out through the northwestern part of the isthmus including Camp Randall, State Street, and Lakeshore Path. Athletes will turn around near Picnic Point
Watch | See the runners from Olin or Olbrich parks on Saturday, Sept. 10. Try scoring some outdoor seating on State Street to see the Sunday, Sept. 10 runners.
