Chattanooga, TN, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is set to host the IRONMAN Chattanooga on September 28, featuring over 2,500 athletes competing in a full IRONMAN triathlon. With a total distance of 140.6 miles, the event includes swimming, biking, and a marathon-run. Significant road closures will occur to ensure athlete safety, impacting traffic in key areas of the city. The event promises substantial economic benefits, as evidenced by past IRONMAN events contributing over $200 million to the local economy.
Chattanooga Gears Up for IRONMAN Chattanooga on September 28
Chattanooga is preparing to host the IRONMAN Chattanooga on Sunday, September 28, which will attract over 2,500 athletes from around the globe. This year’s race is a full IRONMAN, comprising a total distance of 140.6 miles that includes swimming, biking, and running, culminating in a 26.2-mile run.
To facilitate the event and ensure athlete safety, significant road closures will be enforced from Wednesday, September 24 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, September 29 at 8 p.m. In addition, key sections of Highway 27, particularly the on-ramps between Highway 153 and 4th Street downtown, will also be closed on race day.
Economic Impact of the Event
The IRONMAN event plays a crucial role in Chattanooga’s tourism strategy. The recent IRONMAN 70.3 event, a shorter variation of the race, took place successfully in the city as well. Chattanooga has become increasingly popular as a destination for athletic competitions, contributing to an impressive economic footprint. In 2024, Hamilton County recorded visitor spending exceeding $1.8 billion, marking a 4% increase from 2023. This places Chattanooga at No. 5 among Tennessee’s 95 counties for visitor spending.
Over the last decade, IRONMAN events have generated more than $200 million in economic impact in Chattanooga, with over 170,000 athletes and visitors participating in these races. Furthermore, the Chattanooga Tourism Co. is actively promoting events like the IRONMAN to enhance tourism, with expected spikes in visitor numbers during major events.
Additional Events and Visitor Trends
Chattanooga is also preparing for the World of Bluegrass Festival, scheduled to take place from September 16-20, which is anticipated to attract approximately 45,000 attendees and generate around $30 million in economic impact. Meanwhile, the Chattanooga Airport reported record passenger traffic in 2024, accommodating over 557,000 passengers and launching new direct flights to Newark, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.
Visitor spending in Hamilton County resulted in $113 million in state taxes and $73 million in local taxes in 2024. It was noted that trends in travel planning have shifted, with many travelers making decisions on significantly shorter notice, often just two to three days in advance.
Attractions in Chattanooga
The rise in visitor spending has also been attributed to the region’s diverse offerings, including outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and historical attractions. Notably, Meigs County, one of Chattanooga’s neighboring counties, saw the highest percentage increase in visitor spending at 11%.
Overall, the IRONMAN event is not just a competition but a vital component of the local tourism strategy, aiding in marketing efforts and stimulating economic growth in Chattanooga.
FAQ
What is the IRONMAN Chattanooga event?
The IRONMAN Chattanooga is a full IRONMAN triathlon taking place on September 28, covering a total distance of 140.6 miles, which includes swimming, biking, and a 26.2-mile run.
What are the road closures during the event?
Roads will be closed from September 24 at 9 a.m. to September 29 at 8 p.m. Highway 27 South on-ramps between Highway 153 and 4th Street downtown will also be closed on race day.
What economic impact does the IRONMAN event have?
The IRONMAN event has generated over $200 million in economic impact over the past decade, significantly boosting tourism and local revenue.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 28, 2024 |
| Total Distance | 140.6 miles |
| Participants | 2,500 athletes |
| Road Closures | September 24 at 9 a.m. to September 29 at 8 p.m. |
| Economic Impact | Over $200 million in the past decade |
| Visitor Spending | More than $1.8 billion in 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Breaks Visitor Spending Record
Chattanooga Announces Major Renovations for Walnut Street Bridge
Chattanooga Residents Prepare for Road Closures This Summer
Chattanooga Hosts Weekend of Cycling and Community Wellness
Chattanooga on Alert as Heavy Rain and High Winds Set to Hit
Traffic Disruptions on US 27 in Hamilton County
Chattanooga Schools Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Chattanooga Musicians Invited to Join Tiny Desk Contest
Chattanooga Hosts Family-Friendly Events This Summer
Additional Resources
- IRONMAN News: Master Course IRONMAN Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Record-Breaking Year
- News Channel 9: IRONMAN Cancels Swim Portion
- Tri247: IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga 2025 Results Report
- Decatur Daily: Chattanooga to Host Scenic IRONMAN 70.3
- Wikipedia: IRONMAN Triathlon
- Google Search: IRONMAN Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: IRONMAN Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Triathlon
- Google News: Chattanooga Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
