Rockford prepares for hot IRONMAN 70.3 weekend with full support and community spirit

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford is gearing up to host the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon this weekend, with local businesses offering special deals and spectators excited to cheer on the competitors.

From the welcome signs on the sidewalk to the special offers on display in storefront windows, the Forest City is all in on this weekend’s triathlon.

Dave Pedersen, the owner of Maze Books, 406 E State Street, says he is excited for the thousands of participants and spectators coming to Rockford this weekend.

“We’ve been preparing here. I did ten push-ups this morning, ate a cream cheese bagel. So I’m ready to go,” said Pedersen.

“I am pretty thrilled to see, to meet a bunch of people from all over the place and show them what Rockford has to offer, for sure,” Pedersen added. “Last night, as I was leaving, I started noticing people stopping and staring at things, which is normal for people who are out of town.”

Down the street, craft store The Scrap Jar, at 324 E State Street, is advertising a special offer for IRONMAN fans to make a personalized poster for free.

“I posted a little reel, and people seem very excited about it. So I’m excited to see all the funny motivational posters that come out of it. So we have markers and poster boards that are free for people to use in the shop. Otherwise, we’ve got all sorts of goodies throughout the shop. Glitter stickers. I’m excited to see what people do,” said owner Angela Martinez.

Rockford resident Margo Stedman visited the shop to make a poster to cheer on her friend, who flew in from Orlando to run in the triathlon.

“We’re picking her up from the airport today. She’s going to be staying with us for the weekend, and we’re just super excited to participate in everything that’s going on. I think it’s gonna be a great day in Rockford. We’re really looking forward to it,” Stedman said.

“I think it says a lot. They could have gone probably wherever they wanted, and here they are in Rockford,” Pedersen said. “And if you told me that would have happened five years ago, if you would have said that IRONMAN would be coming to Rockford, I would have said, there’s no way. But here we are.”

The IRONMAN 70.3 competitors will meet near the Rock Guardian statues at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 22nd, to begin their grueling competition, which will begin with a 1.2-mile swim in the Rock River. The swimming part of the race will be followed by a 56-mile cycle race, finished with a 13.1-mile marathon through the city.

For maps and road closures, click here.

Forecasters warn race day will be scorching hot, with temperatures in the mid-90s.