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Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge - Course Preview
The inaugural Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon will take place Sunday, June 4 in Roanoke, Virginia.
We look forward to welcoming racers from around the country to Virginia’s Blue Ridge, where they get to experience the region’s incredible natural beauty while swimming, biking, and running through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to an exceptional racecourse, which will include the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway for a large portion of the bike section, visitors will also have the opportunity to discover the local culture, flavors, and charm of our vibrant downtown communities and small towns in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
If you’re planning to participate in the event and need a place to stay, visit our IRONMAN Accommodations page and reserve your room. Be sure to use the appropriate booking codes and reservation links to book your lodging as part of the official room block and receive the best rates. Book a room >
Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Course
The course will showcase some of the best of the outdoors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, with participants getting the unique opportunity to swim at Carvins Cove, cycle through Botetourt County & Roanoke County on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and run on the Roanoke River Greenway.
The race will begin with a rolling start, where athletes are self-seeded based on their anticipated total swim time.
Swim - Carvins Cove
The race will begin with a 1.2 mile, 1-lap swim in the water at Carvins Cove Reservoir. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the 2nd largest municipal park in the country and is a prime spot for outdoor recreation, offering water access for paddling, boating & fishing, as well as an extensive network of trails for hiking and some of the best mountain biking in the Southeast.
Average water temperatures in early June are typically in the 70s.
NOTE: Swimming is not permitted in Carvins Cove Reservoir and a special use exemption has been provided specifically for this race. Registered athletes who are swimming in the cove prior to the race will be disqualified, so please respect local laws.
For training purposes, participants are encouraged to utilize the open water swimming at Smith Mountain Lake. For water access, visit the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park in Franklin County.
Download: Swim Course Route >
Bike - Blue Ridge Parkway
The 56 mile bike portion of the race will showcase an incredible cycling ride in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Upon leaving Carvins Cove, athletes will travel along Route 11 through Roanoke County and Botetourt County, before reaching the historic Town of Buchanan, located along the bank of the James River.
From Buchanan, the route will lead riders along an epic 5-mile climb up Route 43 to Bearwallow Gap, where they’ll access the Blue Ridge Parkway - America’s Favorite Drive. The 21 mile portion of the route along the Parkway will showcase stunning views of the surrounding valley and nearby mountains.
Once the course exits the Parkway, the participants will bike through the charming Town of Vinton before making their way through Downtown Roanoke en-route to River’s Edge Park along the scenic Roanoke River.
Download: Bike Course Route & Turn-by-Turn Directions >
Run - Roanoke River Greenway
The running course will follow the scenic Roanoke River Greenway, beginning and ending at River’s Edge Park. It’s a 13.1 mile course that will be completed in one loop.
Runners will make their way through numerous local parks, including River’s Edge Park, Smith Park, Wasena Park, and Vic Thomas Park, which will help provide shade.
The course will provide great views of the Roanoke River, a popular spot among visitors and locals for paddling, tubing, and fishing. Along the route, participants will also spot numerous works of public art, including murals and sculptures that showcase the local arts community of the region.
Download: Run Course Route & Turn-by-Turn Directions >
For additional information about the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Course and answers to FAQs, we encourage you to visit the official IRONMAN event website.
Volunteer
You can also take part in the event by signing up to be a volunteer! There are a variety of shifts and opportunities to help the region host a first-class event and show our visitors an amazing experience.
For more information on the IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge triathlon, visit the IRONMAN website.
If you have questions about the event, contact virginia70.3@ironman.com.
Get the local scoop on things to do and places to eat & drink while you're in Virginia's Blue Ridge for the event!
The VIP Experience is presented by Starr Hill Brewery, which will also have its own beer garden in the IRONMAN Village.
