The inaugural Ironman Oregon 70.3 (half Ironman distance) is just around the corner! Taking place in our capital city of Salem on July 25th, 2021. It also seems a little serendipitous that as of this writing (June 30th) all COVID restrictions in Oregon have been lifted as well which should instill confidence in anybody who was wondering if the race would actually take place.
As this is the first Ironman taking place in Oregon, I was easily convinced that I should try it out even though my swimming abilities are lacking to say the least. An added bonus being that it is taking place in Salem, which required no travel for me solidified my decision. The courses were just released a few weeks ago (you can view them here)which gave me time to go and preview them for you all! The 1.2 mile swim starts at Minto Brown Island Park and goes downstream which is actually north and ends at the dock in Riverfront Park. From there you’ll move to the transition area which is also in Riverfront and hop on the bike. The bike course is a 56 mile out and back route that moves from the park to Front Street and heads south where you’ll ride down River Road towards Independence. From there you mosey on further towards Ankeny Winery and Ankeny Wildlife Refuge before turning around and heading back. The last section is the 13.1 mile run (half marathon) that again starts at the transition point in Riverfront and is also an out and back route that goes through Minto Brown Island Park which should provide some much needed shade after the swim and bike ride!
The athletes competing received an email that the schedule was out finally but alas, it just goes to the website showing TBD so you’ll want to check back frequently as we get closer to race day here for any updates. As of right now we are anticipating the race starting early in the day to allow ample time for competitors to finish before it gets too hot and we’re all hoping that we don’t get stuck with another record breaking heatwave! For supporters who are wanting to track friends and family members progress, Ironman has an athlete tracker which is really useful to see their progress in real time. You can read more about it here or download the official Ironman Tracking App, also available on the supporter link.
Details:
What: Ironman Oregon 70.3
When: Sunday July 25th, 2021. Start Time TBD as of this writing
Where: Riverfront Park and Minto Brown Island Park (Downtown Salem, OR)
Cost: Tier 1 and Tier 2 are sold out. Tier 3 is $375 and Tier 4 is $399. Relay Entry is still available for Tier 1 at $350 and Tier 2 at $400.
Register: Here
