What Richland roads & boat launches to avoid Sunday when 3,000 Ironman athletes compete

The Tri-Cities is a premiere location for outdoor recreation and athletics. Between the waters of the Columbia River, local hikes and trails like Badger and Candy Mountains, and the many parks and recreation areas, it’s no wonder so many Tri-Citians prioritize their outdoor hobbies.

While there are local run clubs and occasional 5Ks, athletes in Tri-Cities have never had an opportunity quite like the upcoming Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, Sept. 22.

One of the most well-known triathlons, Ironman races are part of the World Triathlon Corporation and involve running, biking and swimming. For the first time ever, the one-day endurance event is coming to Tri-Cities.

The massive event will impact traffic and activities, and will surely be a spectacle for its first Tri-Cities installation. Athlete registration is closed for the race.

Here’s everything Tri-Citians should know about the upcoming Ironman 70.3, whether participating or not.

Ironman 70.3 race in Tri-Cities

The triathlon starts with the swimming portion in the Columbia River at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 22. Athletes will start at the docks near the Lee Boulevard Boat Dock at Howard Amon Park, and swim to the Columbia Point Marina, a distance of 1.2 miles. Spectators are encouraged to use Ben Franklin Transit or park in the Parkway, then watch from Howard Amon Park.

The Columbia Point Marina entrance will be restricted for the race. To follow along with the athletes through the end of the swim portion, spectators will have to walk or shuttle in from remote areas.

Shuttles will be running from the City of Richland building parking lot and the Richland Federal Building parking lot to the marina. Park in a marked location to be picked up by the shuttle. Shuttles will begin at 4 a.m. on the 22nd with athlete priority, and will continue through the last athlete completing the swim portion.

As athletes finish the swim portion, they’ll run up the beach and grab their bike from the designated area and set up at the starting chute. The rolling bike portion is 56 miles, with around 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Spectators can watch from this transition area and the beginning and end of the bike course on Columbia Point Drive.

For the final portion of the race, a 13.1 mile flat run, spectators can watch from any park along the Riverfront Trail between Columbia Point and WSU Tri-Cities. The finish line will be at Columbia Point Park.

Tri-Cities Ironman traffic impacts

The race will impact traffic on Sept. 22 in different areas at different approximate times. Residents should make travel plans in advance.

Full road closure

• Richland Fire Station Drive - from Duportail Street to Queensgate Drive - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Truman Ave. - from Queensgate Drive to Kennedy Road - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Kennedy Road - from Truman Ave. to Keene Road - 6:50 to 9:30 a.m.
• Jacobs Road - from Webber Canyon Road to Dallas Road - 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Highway 82 ramps - Dallas Road North and South ramps - 8 to 11:45 a.m.
• Arena Road (Local only) - from Kennedy Road to Dallas Road - 8:05 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Keene Road - from Bombing Range Road to W. Van Giesen Street - 8:05 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• University Drive - from Stevens Drive to George Washington Way - 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Waterfront Drive - from University Drive to Waterfront Drive - 10:05 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Northbound right closures

• Columbia Point Drive - from Columbia Point Parking Lot to Bradley Blvd. - 3:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Bradley Blvd. - from Bradley Blvd. to Comstock Street - 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Goethals Drive - from Aaron Drive to Fitch Street - 6:30 to 9:25 a.m.
• Webber Canyon Road - from Badger Road to Jacobs Road - 7:30 to 11 a.m.
• Dallas Road - from Jacobs Road to Keene Road - 7:50 to 11:45 a.m.
• 240 Bypass Highway - from Van Giesen Street to University Drive - 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Harris Ave. - from Ferry Road to Sprout Road - 10:05 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Eastbound right closures

• Abbot Street - from Armistead Ave. to Aaron Drive - 6:30 to 9:25 a.m.
• E. Sagebrush Road - from Bermuda Road to Cottonwood Drive - 7:05 to 10:15 a.m.
• W. Van Giesen Street - from Keene Road to Belmont Drive - 8:05 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• W. Van Giesen Street - from N. 62nd Ave. to the 240 Bypass Highway - 8:05 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Southbound right closures

• Armistead Ave. - from Comstock Street to Abbot Street - 6:30 to 9:25 a.m.
• Stevens Drive - from Fitch Street to Wellsian Way - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Duportail Street - from Cottonwood Drive to Richland Fire Station Drive - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Keene Road from Kennedy Road to Shockley Road - 6:50 to 9:50 a.m.
• Queensgate Drive - from Summit Street to Bermuda Road - 6:50 to 10 a.m.
• George Washington Way - from University Drive to Bradley Blvd - 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Westbound right closures

• Comstock Street - from Comstock Street to Armistead Ave. - 6:30 to 9:25 a.m.
• Aaron Drive - from Abbot Drive to Jadwin Drive and Goethals Drive - 6:30 to 9:25 a.m.
• Fitch Street - from Goethals Drive to Stevens Drive - 6:30 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.
• Duportail Street - from Wellsian Way to Cottonwood Drive - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Queensgate Drive - from Fire Station Drive to Truman Ave. - 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.
• Shockley Road - from Keene Road to Queensgate Drive - 6:50 to 10 a.m.
• Badger Road - from Cottonwood Drive to Webber Canyon Road - 7:15 to 10:15 a.m.

Boat launch impacts

The triathlon will also limit the availability of boat launches.

According to the city of Richland, the following boat launches will be closed:

• Columbia Point Marina Park: Closed all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Leslie Groves Boat Launch at Synder Street: Closed Sunday, Sept. 22
• North Howard Amon Boat Launch (north of Newton St.): Closed Sunday, Sept. 22

The Columbia Park West boat launch will remain open.

Ironkids Races in Tri-Cities

On Sept. 21, the day before the Ironman 70.3, a series of races for children called Ironkids begins at 9 a.m. at Columbia Point Park. The race options include the Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot, half-mile and full-mile race.

There will also be local vendors set up around the race area, plus performances from the Bram Brata Steel Drum Band and Ok2Botay Middle School Steel drum band.

Tri-Cities Ironman volunteer information

Between the massive race and the pre-race events the day before, many volunteers are utilized. There are still various volunteer slots open, with applications online.

Volunteers are needed on Sept. 21 for the “mixing party,” which includes making electrolyte mixes for athletes on race day and preparing aid stations, as well as parking coordination.

Volunteers are needed on race day on Sept. 22 for the shuttles, parking, race transitions, water safety, staging, race start, aid stations, the environmental crew, crowd control and checkout.

Shift times and durations vary depending on the chosen role.

This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 1:13 PM.