The first-ever Ironman Jacksonville takes place on May 16, featuring 1,500 to 1,900 participants from 31 countries. Major road closures will impact the city as athletes compete in a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.
Key points
First-ever Ironman Jacksonville on May 16
1,500 to 1,900 participants from 31 countries
Course includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run
Major road impacts and closures expected across the city
53% of participants are first-time full-distance Ironman competitors
The event will bring a full-on athlete takeover to Jacksonville, with competitors racing across the city for up to 17 hours. The course begins with a 2.4-mile swim in the St. Johns River at 7:30 a.m. from Metropolitan Park, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run through downtown Jacksonville and Riverside.
For many competitors, this race marks a major milestone. According to an April 6, Facebook poll shared by the Ironman Jacksonville Facebook group, 53% of respondents said this will be their first-ever full-distance Ironman after previously completing a half-distance race.
As athletes prepare to take on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of their lives, spectators can also get ready for a day unlike any other. From planning around traffic impacts to finding the best cheer spots along the course, Jacksonville residents and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to keep the energy high, celebrate finish-line moments, and witness athletes pushing past their limits in pursuit of a personal record on Saturday.
What's an Ironman?
An Ironman is a long-distance triathlon organized by the World Triathlon Corporation that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run completed consecutively in a single day. Widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance events in the world, athletes have up to 17 hours to finish all three segments of the race.
Watch Ironman Jacksonville video
What’s the course for Ironman Jacksonville? Which sport starts first, and how long is each section?
Athletes will complete three events throughout race day, starting with the swim, followed by the bike course, and finishing with the marathon run. Here’s what the course looks like and what athletes can expect on race day:
The Ironman swim course starts at 7:30 a.m.
Q&A
What are the road closures for Ironman Jacksonville 2026?
Major road closures will occur across Jacksonville on May 16 due to the Ironman event, affecting traffic for spectators and residents.
What is the course layout for Ironman Jacksonville?
The Ironman Jacksonville course includes a 2.4-mile swim in the St. Johns River, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run through downtown Jacksonville and Riverside.
How many participants are expected at Ironman Jacksonville 2026?
Between 1,500 and 1,900 participants from 31 countries and 49 states are expected to compete in the Ironman Jacksonville.
What time does the Ironman Jacksonville race start?
The Ironman Jacksonville race starts at 7:30 a.m. on May 16 with the swimming segment.
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Swim Course Ironman2026
Swim Course Ironman2026
Location: Metropolitan ParkDistance: 2.4 miles
Athletes begin the race with a point-to-point swim in the iconic St. Johns River.
The incoming tide and gentle current are designed to help athletes move quickly toward downtown Jacksonville.
Transition 1 will also take place along the riverfront.
Spectators can enjoy prime viewing spots along the Riverwalk for an exciting and scenic start to race day.
How long is the bike course for Ironman?
Bike Route Ironman2026
Bike Route Ironman2026
Distance: 112 milesFormat: Two-loop course
The bike route travels through San Marco, the Southside, Nocatee, and Ponte Vedra.
Riders will experience long, fast stretches of road and a smooth, flat profile ideal for maintaining race pace.
The course includes scenic coastal views along A1A, shaded tree-canopy sections, and welcoming suburban neighborhoods.
Note: The Nocatee Parkway Flyover will be closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How long is the run course for Ironman?
Running Course Ironman2026
Running Course Ironman2026
Distance: 26.2 milesFormat: Three-loop course
Athletes transition at Memorial Park before beginning the marathon portion of the race.
The course winds through downtown Jacksonville and Riverside.
Runners will travel along the Riverwalk, through downtown neighborhoods, and behind the Riverside Arts Market, where live music will energize participants.
The route also continues through the Five Points district before finishing downtown.
Athletes will cross the finish line surrounded by skyline views and cheering spectators.
Ironman Jacksonville: See expected water and air temperatures for race day
Athletes competing in the first-ever Ironman Jacksonville on Saturday, May 16, can expect warm race-day conditions both in and out of the water.
The St. Johns River water temperature is projected to be around 67 for the 2.4-mile swim portion of the race, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Metropolitan Park.
Air temperatures are expected to climb throughout the day, with a forecasted high of 94 and a low of 71. The combination of heat and humidity could make conditions especially challenging during the later portions of the 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run through downtown Jacksonville and Riverside.
Will it rain on Saturday, May 16, during Ironman Jacksonville?
No. There's currently a 0 percent chance of rain for Saturday. However, chances of precipitation increase to 20 percent by Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Ironman celebration breakfast: Where is it and where to buy tickets?
**Location:**The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Road impacts and closures by the Ironman bike course
Despite the impact, most roads will remain open, except the ones indicating closure:
Acosta Bridge Southbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m
Prudential Dr Eastbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Kings Ave Southbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Phillips Hwy Southbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
University Blvd Westbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
San Jose Blvd Southbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Baymeadows Rd Westbound lane impact from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Nocatee Parkway Flyover (Both), Eastbound closed from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Nocatee Parkway (Valley Ridge on-ramp) Westbound lane impact from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
S Roscoe Blvd Northbound, expect delays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Solana Rd Eastbound, expect delays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
A1A Scenic Hwy Southbound Lane Impact (Open) 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Mickler Rd Westbound expect delays 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
Valley Ridge Blvd (Northbound loops to Southbound) expect delays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m
Valley Ridge Blvd (By CR 210) Westbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Phillips Hwy Northbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Baymeadows Rd Westbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
San Jose Blvd Northbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
University Blvd Eastbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Kings Ave Northbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Prudential Dr Westbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
San Marco Blvd Northbound lane impact from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Mary St Northbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Acosta Bridge Northbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Broad St Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.
W Bay St Westbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Road impacts and closures by the Ironman bike and run course
Riverside Ave to Standish Place Northbound closed from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Riverside Ave to Standish Place Southbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Riverside Ave (Rosselle St to Bay St) Northbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Riverside Ave (Rosselle St to Bay St) Southbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Margaret St (Riverside Ave to Park St) Northbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Margaret St (Riverside Ave to Park St) Southbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Park St Northbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Park St Southbound expect delays from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Rosselle St (College St to Riverside Ave) Westbound lane impact from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Rosselle St (College St to Riverside Ave) Eastbound lane impact from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Road impacts and closures by the Ironman run course
Hogan Street Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Adams St Westbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
N Lee St (Bike Path) Southbound expect delays 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Park St Southbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Rosselle St Westbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
College st Southbound lane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Myra St Westbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Goodwin St Southbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Oak St Westbound bikelane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Cherry St Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Willow Branch Ave Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Sydney St Westbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Donald St Southbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
McDuff Ave S Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Challen Ave Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Oak St Eastbound bike lane impact from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Goodwin St Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Riverside Ave Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Margaret St Southbound expect delays from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Memorial Park Dr Westbound closed from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Memorial Park Dr Eastbound closed from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Riverwalk (From Riverside Arts Market to Riverfront Plaza), Northbound expect delays from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
