Augusta Will Host Ironman 70.3 on September 27
The event returns to the city after being cancelled in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Running
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Augusta will host the Ironman 70.3 race on September 27, 2026, welcoming an expected 3,000 athletes to the city. This marks the return of the event following a 2024 cancellation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Why it matters
The race serves as a major logistical operation for the city, necessitating significant traffic and parking adjustments to accommodate thousands of competitors. Local lodging, including the Crown Plaza, is already sold out for the occasion.
The race features a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run that kicks off at 7:15 a.m. sharp. Organizers expect 3,000 athletes to complete the course across Augusta and South Augusta.
The players
Ironman 70.3
This is an international series of long-distance triathlon races consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
Crown Plaza
The Crown Plaza is a prominent hotel located in Augusta that is fully booked for the upcoming race weekend.
The details
The race begins with a swim at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater, concluding at the 5th Street Marina before moving to the bike course and ending at the finish line on Reynolds Street. To manage the influx, officials have implemented parking bans at the 5th Street Marina and closed westbound lanes on Reynolds Street.
Timeline
Parking bans at the 5th Street Marina begin at noon on September 25, 2026.
The Ironman 70.3 race day takes place on September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The return of this event marks a recovery from the 2024 cancellation caused by Hurricane Helene. It reestablishes the city as a host for major athletic endurance competitions, restoring the competitive schedule for regional triathletes.
Drivers should prepare for significant travel disruptions, including the closure of westbound lanes on Reynolds Street from 13th to 5th Street. Participants and residents should note that parking is restricted at the 5th Street Marina until the event concludes.
The takeaway
The event requires careful navigation of the downtown area due to extensive road closures and parking bans throughout the race duration. Athletes and spectators should plan their travel well in advance given the high demand for local accommodations.
Further reading
Learn more about local endurance events in our Running section.
Live Poll
Do you believe the benefits of hosting major athletic events outweigh the inconvenience of road closures?
