Rockford, Illinois is gearing up to host the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon from 2025 through 2027, bringing a surge of athlete and spectator tourism, as announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). With the help of a sizable $800,000 grant awarded to the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (Go Rockford) as part of the state's $15 million Tourism Incentive Grant Program, Illinois will see the event on its soil for the first time, potentially generating over $45 million in economic impact for three years, according to a press release from the State of Illinois.
"I'm thrilled to welcome the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to Illinois," Governor JB Pritzker stated in a press release, highlighting the event as a major attraction brought in by the administration's Tourism Incentive Grant Program, and expressing eagerness to display Illinois' natural beauty and hospitality, the race is projected to draw near 3,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors for each event, boosting hotel occupancy with an estimated 7,000-12,000 room nights.
Eric Atnip, the Race Director for the IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon, spoke to the appeal of Rockford's outdoor offerings, saying, "We are excited to bring this new IRONMAN 70.3 event to this unique and beautiful area in northern Illinois," and added that the partnership with Go Rockford will introduce athletes to the welcoming community there, the triathlon will feature a 1.2-mile swim in the Rock River, a 56-mile bike loop, and a 13.1-mile run through urban landscapes along the riverbank, the official announcement details.
John Groh, president/CEO of GoRockford, emphasized Rockford's rising stature and alignment with the IRONMAN ethos saying, "Rockford is a city on the move and gaining speed all the time," he told Illinois State News, Dave Herrell, Chairman of the Illinois Destinations Association (IDA) and Visit Quad Cities president and CEO, also pointed to the tourism grant as a "game changer," enabling Illinois to attract more such lucrative events.
