JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville is gearing up for its first-ever IRONMAN race this weekend, as athletes, spectators and event staff descend on the city for a day of competition spanning 17 hours and multiple neighborhoods.
The race kicks off Saturday, May 16, with the Age Group Swim Start at 7:30 a.m. at Metropolitan Park.
“We are grateful to host the first of many IRONMAN races in our city. We welcome all the athletes and spectators to Jacksonville with open arms – and I’ll be cheering them on during the race on Saturday,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “Sporting events like IRONMAN are a big deal for our community. They grow our local economy, bring in more people downtown, and elevate Jacksonville’s profile on the national stage. Special thanks to our city event staff and first responders who are working hard with the IRONMAN team to make it a smooth, safe, and memorable event.”
Street closures, what residents need to know
Athletes will race through city streets over the course of 17 hours on Saturday. The city is urging residents to review planned street closures, be patient and plan their travel accordingly.
There will be rolling street closures across several neighborhoods which will see impacts between the following times:
Downtown
Acosta Bridge 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prudential Drive 8am to 7 p.m.
Kings Ave. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hogan Street 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Adams Street 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Riverside
Most of the area 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
San Jose/Baymeadows
Philips Highway 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
University Blvd. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Baymeadows Road 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nocatee/Ponte Vedra
Nocatee Parkway 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
S. Roscoe Blvd. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Solana Road 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A1A Scenic Highway 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mickler Rd. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Valley Ridge Blvd. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For full race details, visit ironman.com/races/im-jacksonville.
Economic impact, downtown revitalization in focus
City officials say the race is about more than athletic competition — it’s a boost for Jacksonville’s economy and its ongoing downtown transformation.
“It has been a pleasure working with the IRONMAN team and our partners at Visit Jacksonville to bring this signature race to the city, and we look forward to more collaboration in the future,” said Alex Alston, executive director of the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Sports and Entertainment. “It’s the exact type of sporting event we want – and expect – to attract more of in Jacksonville. It generates economic impact, grows tourism, and boosts downtown during this transformative phase of construction and revitalization.”
Race weekend schedule
Here’s a look at the full weekend schedule:
Swim start
The Age Group Swim Start is set for 7:30 a.m. at Metropolitan Park
Finish line
The finish line will be active from 3 p.m. Saturday through 1:30 a.m. Sunday, at Riverfront Plaza. Mayor Deegan is expected to be at the finish line from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.