Overview
- The inaugural event, which starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Metropolitan Park, opens with a 2.4-mile swim in the St. Johns River before a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run to a Riverfront Plaza finish.
- Police and county officials detail major closures, including a river block from 7 to 11 a.m., a full Nocatee Parkway Flyover shutdown from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and rolling restrictions across Downtown, Riverside, and the Southside with more than 500 officers on duty.
- Organizers expect roughly 1,900 competitors from 37 countries ranging in age from 18 to 81, drawing thousands of spectators to the course.
- Visit Jacksonville projects a $5.2 million impact on hotels, restaurants, and attractions, with city officials promoting the race as a lift for a downtown in the middle of redevelopment.
- Final prep continues Friday as athletes complete packet pickup at the IRONMAN Village with no race-day pickup allowed and volunteer slots still open, especially for run-course aid stations.