IRONMAN Louisville 70.3 Information
Course Overview
IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville begins with a 1.2-mile downstream swim in the Ohio River. Athletes exit the water at Waterfront Park and make their way to Transition 1 on the Great Lawn. The 56-mile bike course heads east along River Road before winding through the rolling hills of Oldham County, then returns to downtown Louisville via River Road and Transition 2. The 13.1-mile run course passes through several of the city's parks before returning downtown for a memorable finish at Fourth Street Live.
Swim Course
The swim course is entirely downstream and starts behind Towhead Island before entering the main channel of the Ohio River.
Click on a thumbnail photo to enlarge.
1. Line of Sight once clear of Towhead Island
Once clear of Towhead Island and out into the main Ohio River channel, look through the upper structures of the bridges for the black PNC Building in downtown Louisville.
2. The First Bridge
The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge will be the first bridge encountered on the swim course. Sight the SECOND bridge support from the KY side and keep that support ON YOUR LEFT.
2a. View Downstream from the Walkway of The First Bridge
The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge will be the first bridge encountered on the swim course. Sight the SECOND bridge support from the KY side and keep that support ON YOUR LEFT. You can also see the tall, black PNC building in the distance for additional straight-line sighting (upper right corner of photo).
3. The I-65 Bridges
The second and third bridges encountered both support I-65. The supports for both of these bridges are quite close to the KY shoreline. Therefore you will want to keep them on your left.
4. The I-65 Bridges - Zoomed In View
Here is a zoomed-in view of the I-65 Bridge supports.
Bike Course Viewing
- Follow I-71 North to Exit 17 (Hwy 146, Buckner Exit).
- Turn left at the top of the ramp onto La Grange Road.
- Approximately ¼ mile after crossing the railroad tracks, turn left onto New Cut Road/Cedar Point Road.
- Stay on Cedar Point Road. You will drive around a 90-degree right-hand turn at the top of the hill. New Cut Road turns left. Turn right to remain on Cedar Point Road.
- Cedar Point Road will dead-end into Hwy 393.
- Park on Cedar Point Road near Barkwood Road, or on a nearby side street, and walk to Hwy 393.
You may want to bring chairs and drinks. This area is normally shaded. Cyclists will be approximately 25 miles into their ride at this point. Because they will be climbing a short hill, their speed will be slower, potentially allowing for a brief conversation with your athlete. Simply reverse these directions to return downtown.
Google Maps indicates approximately 23.6 miles and a 28-minute drive, so plan your time accordingly.
Run Course Viewing/Race Day Party
BarryS Coaching will be setting up the BarryS Coaching Party Tent on IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville race day. We will be located at the corner of Payne Street and Spring Street, directly across from Spring Street Bar and in the Payne Street Bakehouse parking lot.
Runners pass this location twice, approximately at miles 2 and 11, making it an ideal spot to cheer on athletes throughout the race.
Please join us in supporting all of the runners. We expect to be set up between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. on race morning.
The larger the crowd at Payne Street and Spring Street, the better. Beer and restrooms are available across the street, while coffee and sandwiches are available next door. Both businesses have graciously agreed to allow spectators to use their restrooms.