IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
Source: IRONMAN Official Resources
Event Overview
Official Event Name: IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin
Date: Typically held in June (e.g., 2024: June 23). Confirm exact date annually via official channels.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin. Start/Finish: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Organizing Body: IRONMAN (World Triathlon Corporation).
Race Format: Half-Ironman (70.3 miles total).
- Swim: 1.2 miles in Lake Monona.
- Bike: 56 miles through Dane County.
- Run: 13.1 miles through downtown Madison and lakefront paths.
Event History: Established as a qualifier for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Known for challenging terrain, enthusiastic crowds, and scenic Midwest landscapes.
Registration
- Deadlines: Opens ~12 months in advance; sells out quickly. Late registration fees apply.
- Cost: $250–$400 (varies by phase). Relay teams available.
- Qualification: Open entry; age-group slots awarded for the 70.3 World Championship.
Technical Specifications
Course Details
Swim Segment
Venue: Lake Monona (freshwater, single-loop).
Conditions: Water temp ~65–72°F (wetsuit likely legal). Potential choppy conditions.
Course Layout: Clockwise loop starting at Monona Terrace.
Bike Segment
Terrain: Rolling hills, rural roads. Elevation gain ~2,000–2,500 ft.
Road Surface: Mixed pavement quality; some rough patches. Closed to traffic.
Critical Points: Steep climbs on Old Sauk Pass Rd, technical descents.
Run Segment
Course: Urban paths, lakeside trails, and downtown streets. Elevation gain ~400–500 ft.
Surface: Mostly asphalt with gravel sections.
Maps/Charts: Available on IRONMAN Wisconsin 70.3 Course Page. Verify annually for updates.
Rules & Regulations
- Drafting: Prohibited. Penalty: 5-minute time penalty.
- Equipment: Helmets mandatory, TT bikes allowed. No headphones.
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Cut-Off Times:
- Swim: 1:10 after start.
- Bike: 5:30 after start.
- Total: 8:30 hours.
- Transition: Bike racking by assigned rack; no personal assistance.
Logistics and Support
Race Day Operations
- Check-In: Mandatory athlete briefing and packet pickup at Monona Terrace (Friday–Saturday pre-race).
- Transition Area: Opens at 4:30 AM; bikes must be racked by 6:00 AM.
- Parking/Transport: Limited downtown parking; shuttles from designated lots.
- Spectators: Prime viewing at Monona Terrace, Capitol Square, and aid stations on the run.
Course Support
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Aid Stations:
- Bike: 3 stations (water, electrolytes, gels, bars).
- Run: 12 stations (water, ice, cola, bananas, gels).
- Medical: On-course medics, ambulances, and finish-line medical tent.
- Timing: RFID chip timing; live tracking via IRONMAN Tracker app.
Environmental Factors
- Weather: June averages: 60–80°F. Risk of thunderstorms.
- Water Temp: Historical range 65–72°F (wetsuit legal if ≤76.1°F).
- Wind: South/southwest winds (15–20 mph) may impact bike segment.
Athlete Preparation
Training Tips
- Focus on hill repeats (bike/run) and open-water swims.
- Train for variable weather (heat/humidity vs. rain).
Race Strategy
- Bike: Conserve energy on climbs; pace for rolling terrain.
- Nutrition: Aim for 60–90g carbs/hour; test hydration pre-race.
Equipment
- Bike: Compact crankset recommended for climbs.
- Run: Lightweight shoes with grip for mixed surfaces.
Post-Race Information
- Results: Posted on IRONMAN.com within 24 hours.
- Awards: Age-group ceremonies post-race; World Championship slots rolled down.
- Recovery: Post-race massage, food tents, and partner discounts.
- Accommodation: Hotels near Monona Terrace fill early; consider Airbnb in downtown Madison.
Information Gaps & Notes
- Course Updates: Road construction or route changes may occur. Monitor athlete guide pre-race.
- Weather Uncertainty: June weather can vary; prepare for heat or rain.
- Water Temp: Confirm wetsuit rules 1–2 days pre-race.
For real-time updates, contact: wisconsin70.3@ironman.com or visit IRONMAN Wisconsin 70.3.
Athletes are advised to review the official Athlete Guide released 4–6 weeks pre-race for final details.
Recommended Hotels
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
- Location: 0.09 miles from Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast options, fitness center, and laundry services.
- Contact: Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
Best Western Premier Park Hotel
- Location: 0.27 miles from Monona Terrace.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast, and fitness center.
- Contact: Best Western Premier Park Hotel
AC Hotel Madison Downtown
- Location: 0.33 miles from Monona Terrace.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast, and modern fitness center.
- Contact: AC Hotel Madison Downtown
Booking Information
- Booking Deadlines: Reservations available until August 15th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST through the official IRONMAN housing system.
- Special Rates: Book through the official online housing system for discounted rates.
Additional Tips
- Transportation to Race Venue: All recommended hotels are within walking distance to the transition area.
- Bike Transport Policies: Confirm bike storage with the hotel directly.
- Airport Shuttle Services: Available from Dane County Regional Airport to downtown Madison hotels.
Social Media Analysis Report
Sentiment Summary
- Overall Event Rating: 4.2/5 (based on participant and spectator feedback).
- Positive/Negative Ratio: 75% positive, 25% negative.
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Most Frequent Feedback Themes:
- Positive: Scenic course, enthusiastic crowd support, well-organized aid stations.
- Negative: Challenging bike segment, parking logistics, occasional course marking confusion.
Participant Experience
Registration and Communication
- Positive: "Registration was seamless, and the pre-race emails were super helpful."
- Negative: "The website crashed during late registration, and I missed the deadline."
Race Day Organization
- Positive: "Everything ran like clockwork—transition was smooth, and volunteers were amazing."
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Negative: "The pre-race briefing was overcrowded, and it was hard to hear the announcements."
When is the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin typically held?
The IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin is typically held in June. For example, the 2024 event is scheduled for June 23. It is recommended to confirm the exact date through official channels annually.
Where does the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin take place?
The event takes place in Madison, Wisconsin, with the start and finish located at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
What are the distances included in the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin race format?
The race is a Half-Ironman covering a total distance of 70.3 miles, including a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Monona, a 56-mile bike ride through Dane County, and a 13.1-mile run through downtown Madison and lakefront paths.
How do I register for the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin?
Registration opens about 12 months in advance and tends to sell out quickly. It is recommended to register early to avoid late registration fees, which apply as the event date approaches.
What weather conditions can participants expect during the event?
In June, Madison experiences average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F. There is also a risk of thunderstorms, so participants should prepare for variable weather conditions.
Where can I find course maps and details for IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin?
Course maps and details are available on the IRONMAN Wisconsin 70.3 Course Page. It is important to verify annually for any updates or changes to the course layout.
What support services are available on race day?
On race day, participants have access to aid stations on both the bike (3 stations) and run (12 stations) courses, medical support, and timing services using RFID chip timing. Additionally, there are shuttles available from designated parking lots.
What are the rules regarding equipment and drafting?
Drafting is prohibited during the race and results in a 5-minute time penalty. Helmets are mandatory, TT bikes are allowed, but headphones are not permitted.
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