The Ironman 70.3 will return Sept. 27 after being scrapped in 2024 when Hurricane Helene hit. Organizers predict 3,000 athletes will show up, bringing family members and friends who’ll fill hotels and restaurants across the area.
Racing kicks off at 7:15 a.m. Athletes plunge into the water at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater in North Augusta for a 1.2-mile swim. They’ll emerge at the 5th Street Marina in Downtown Augusta. Then comes the bike portion, which is 56 miles winding through Augusta and South Augusta. The final leg sends competitors on a 13.1-mile run along the Augusta Riverwalk and the North Augusta Greeneway before crossing the finish line on Reynolds Street in Downtown Augusta.
Jen Goldman works as tourism and marketing coordinator for North Augusta. She said her team at Explore North Augusta has been coordinating with the sports council and race planners on logistics. Goldman expects visitors will start trickling into town the week before race day, stopping at shops and eateries. The Crown Plaza hotel has already sold out…