Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images for IRONMAN
The long-awaited question has finally been answered – IRONMAN has finally announced the location for next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. The race will return to Chattanooga, Tennessee, the site of the 2017 worlds, the first time that the 70.3 worlds was held over two days. The races will take place on Aug. 28 and 29, 2027. According to IRONMAN the field could be as large at 7,000 for the two days of racing.
Chattanooga has been hosting IRONMAN events for over a decade, but today’s announcement comes with news of a five-year agreement that includes an IRONMAN Pro Series event “in the coming years.”
“Chattanooga has already demonstrated its ability to deliver an exceptional IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship experience,” said Diana Bertsch, Managing Director, IRONMAN North America & World Championship Events. “From its stunningly scenic courses to the overwhelming community engagement, we are thrilled to return in 2027 and once again showcase this iconic destination to a global audience. This expanded partnership reflects our shared commitment to long-term success and continued growth, including the return of professional racing.”
Athletes compete in the run course of the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga race. Photo: by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images for IRONMAN
The course will, as has become the norm at the events in Chattanooga, include a swim in the Tennessee River, a bike course through the rolling terrain into Northern Georgia, and a scenic run along the riverwalk in the city.
The city recognizes the economic benefits of the IRONMAN brand – according to today’s release “IRONMAN Chattanooga and IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga generated a combined US$26.8 million in total economic impact” in 2025. According to IRONMAN, last year’s 70.3 worlds in Marbella “delivered the equivalent of $71 million in total economic impact.”
“The world’s best athletes deserve a world-class destination, and that’s exactly what Chattanooga delivers with endless outdoor adventure and the exceptional hospitality Tennessee is known for,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. “IRONMAN will bring visitors – and the tax dollars they generate – from around the globe, generate millions in economic impact for local businesses and showcase the experiences that inspire travelers to return to Tennessee again and again.”
Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images for IRONMAN
“We’re thrilled that the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is returning to Chattanooga,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “This is an incredible opportunity to share Chattanooga with a global audience, some of whom will become lifelong advocates for our city. What makes Chattanooga special is how our entire community comes together to create and support experiences that keep athletes and visitors coming back.”
For the record that was back in November that I heard Chatty as an option and shared that with you ingrates. 