SALEM, Ore. — Thousands of competitors, race staff and sports fans will take in the beauty of the Cherry City during the annual Ironman 70.3 Oregon event July 18-20. Residents should expect large crowds downtown, as well as area road closures July 20 for the main event.
Events surrounding the sold-out race begin July 18 with athlete check-ins, briefings and an Ironman Village in Riverfront Park. July 19 will see additional pre-race events for athletes, as well as the Ironkids race starting in Riverfront Park.
The Sunday race will showcase Salem and the Willamette Valley to thousands of athletes. The 70-mile racecourse includes a 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River; a 56-mile bike ride through South Salem to the Ankeny Nature Preserve and back; and a 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park, finishing at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.
The triathlon itself is scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. July 20 at Minto-Brown Island Park, where swimmers will enter the Willamette River. The weekend ends with the Awards Ceremony and 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Slot Allocation/Rolldown Ceremony at 3:45 p.m. at the amphitheater.
Several road closures are planned around Minto-Brown Island Park, Riverfront Park and River Road South. Signs will be posted in these areas warning drivers of the traffic impacts that may occur throughout the day. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park will be closed to the public on race day.
Vehicles traveling between Salem and Independence on River Road South should use alternate routes between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., as River Road South will be impacted by the event. Roads will reopen for normal use once the street portion of the bicycle race is completed.
Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park will remain open during the event, though access and parking will be limited.
Lane Restrictions and Road Closures: July 20, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
- Commercial Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
- Mission Street (Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S): Local traffic only
- Saginaw Street S (Mission Street to Owens Street): Local traffic only
- Owens Street between Liberty Street SE and River Road S: Closed to westbound traffic
- River Road S between Owens Street and Minto Island Park Road: Closed to southbound traffic
For more information about the course, including maps and details on street impacts, please visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-oregon.
