Thousands of athletes will swim, bike, and run through Salem's parks and streets starting in a few days, when the sold-out Ironman 70.3 Oregon triathlon takes over Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park for three days.
The race, which Travel Salem estimated generated more than $31 million in local spending during its first three years, has sold out every year since its 2021 debut.
The main event begins at 6:15 a.m. on July 19, at Minto-Brown Island Park. Swimmers will enter the Willamette River and ride the current downstream to Riverfront Park before cyclists head south toward Ankeny Nature Preserve and runners loop through Minto-Brown's shaded trails.
The finish line sits at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater.
What residents need to know about Sunday road closures
Several downtown and South Salem streets will close or lose lanes from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, according to KYKN, citing city sources:
- Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (southbound): two lanes closed, one open
- Commercial Street SE (southbound): two lanes closed, one open
- Mission Street from Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S: local traffic only
- Saginaw Street S from Mission Street to Owens Street: local traffic only
- Owens Street between Liberty Street SE and River Road S: closed to westbound traffic
- River Road S between Owens Street and Minto Island Park Road: closed to southbound traffic
Drivers traveling between Salem and Independence on River Road South should use alternate routes during those hours. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park will also be closed to the public all day Sunday.
Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park, and Wallace Marine Park remain open throughout the weekend, though parking will be limited. Signs will be posted in affected areas warning of traffic impacts.
Free events and ways to take part
Not everything requires a race bib. A free community celebration runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater, featuring wine tasting, food trucks, and live music from the Rae Gordon Band, the reigning Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award winner for Best R&B Band, according to Travel Salem.
A first-time addition this year, Currents to Kicks is a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 2.1-mile run launching at 5 p.m. Friday, July 17. The splash-and-dash event is open to anyone, not just registered Ironman athletes, and finishers earn a medal, Travel Salem said.
On Saturday, July 18, Ironkids Oregon returns to Riverfront Park with a 1-mile race for ages 5–17, a half-mile race for ages 3–8, and a toddler trot for ages 1–3. Kids cross the official Ironman finish line and receive a medal.
Weekend calendar
- Friday, July 17: Athlete check-ins and Ironman Village open at Riverfront Park; Currents to Kicks swim-run at 5 p.m.; free community celebration 5–8 p.m. at the amphitheater
- Saturday, July 18: Ironkids races at Riverfront Park
- Sunday, July 19: Race starts 6:15 a.m. at Minto-Brown Island Park; road closures 5 a.m.–2 p.m.; awards ceremony at 3:45 p.m. at the amphitheater
