Sunday, October 24^th, 2021

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - You may have seen the orange temporary signs along roads in the southeast part of West Sacramento saying to expect traffic delays. The reason these signs have been there is to give West Sac residents a warning of the upcoming Ironman Triathlon race that will be taking place on Sunday, October 24^th, 2021. Impacts to West Sac traffic are being compared to when the Tour of California bike race came through town.

    If you’ve seen the signs on your regular routes, you may want to consider a different route on Sunday. This will ensure better travel time for community members, and better safety for the athletes. The News Ledger tried to obtain what streets will be closed, but that had not yet been worked out… even though the race route is already decided on.

  It is also unclear whether there will be Police directing traffic, or if there will just be closures. It is confirmed that portions of 5^th Street, south of Tower Bridge Gateway, Riverfront street, Mill Street. South River Road and Village Parkway will be closed, but unclear about the rest of the route. WSPD and the Ironman team are working together to minimize the impact on the community.

  This is the first Ironman Triathlon to be held in Sacramento. Over 3,500 athletes will be participating in the race. Representatives from Ironman said “ IRONMAN California will lead athletes along a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run through Sacramento’s downstream, flat and fast course, highlighting the famous Tower Bridge, Central Valley’s beautiful farm and wine country, Discovery Park and an electric finish around the California State Capitol building and gardens.”

  The Athletes will swim from the American river, into the Sacramento River. Out of corcern for the athletes, we asked if those that planned this race are aware of the danger issues there are in our river. They responded with “ We have a robust swim safety plan to ensure the safety of all athletes, we will be having a US Coast Guard permitted secure zone and water safety assets to ensure swimmer safety.”

  If you are interested in watching the race, the Ironman team says “We encourage folks to spectate along the West Sacramento River Trail and near the swim exit they will be able to see athletes along that stretch from the I street Bridge to the Tower Bridge.” One of the transition places will be at Sutter Health Park, so traffic may be pretty crazy in that area. However, it might be a great place to set a lawn chair.

  If you would like more information about the race, other Ironman races, or the Ironman organization visit www.ironman.com or call Sacramento tourism at 916-808-7777.