Though shorter than its 140.6-mile counterpart, the Half Ironman (also known as Ironman 70.3) is a major trial of endurance athleticism, testing competitors across a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. For years, this event has been vital to the triathlon community, offering an accessible yet considerable challenge for those interested in pushing their aerobic boundaries – as well as those hoping to one day complete a full Ironman. These benefits have helped Half Ironman events become more widespread in both the US and abroad.
Chattanooga’s Ironman 70.3 race, in particular, has emerged as one of the country’s premiere Half Ironman events. Sporting rolling courses, beautiful scenery, and prize money totalling USD 50,000, Chattanooga is now a hub for high-level Ironman 70.3 competition, attracting some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes and captivating thousands of spectators annually.
The course
The Chattanooga Ironman 70.3 course takes competitors through Chattanooga’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities – which have contributed to the city’s long-standing nickname, “The Scenic City.” Following a rolling start, competitors first enter the Tennessee River for the race’s swimming portion, eventually exiting at Ross’s Landing Park and beginning the cycling segment, which traverses scenic roads south of town before stretching across northern Georgia. This bike course offers chances to experience natural sights like Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga. Finally, the event’s half-marathon run brings competitors back into the city, venturing past the Tennessee Riverwalk, the Riverfront Parkway, the Walnut Street Bridge, and other iconic landmarks en route to the finish line at Ross’s Landing.
Notable performances
Throughout its history, the Chattanooga race has hosted numerous significant performances. These feats include, but are not limited to:
- Sky Moench, who in 2021 set the female overall course and American record by completing the race in 8:34:07.
- Jason West, who in 2022 set the men’s course record in 3:37:15.
- Matt Hanson and Emma Pallant-Brown, who were the 2024 event’s overall male and female winners, finishing in 3:41:21 and 4:06:27, respectively.
- Andy Potts and Ashley Clifford, the event’s inaugural champions, who finished the 2015 race in 3:49:43 and 4:20:34, respectively.
Events like the Chattanooga Ironman 70.3 represent the timeless beauty of Ironman competition, bringing this passionate and ambitious community closer together while welcoming new athletes and fans into the fold.
