Gov. J.B.
Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Monday announced an agreement to bring the race to Rockford in 2025 through 2027. Over that period, officials said, the event is expected to generate more than $45 million in economic impact. Competing athletes will take part in a 1.
2-mile swim on the Rock River, a 56-mile bike loop through the area north of Rockford and a 13.1-mile run from Davis Park on a two-loop journey on the east and west banks of the Rock River. Nearly 3,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors are expected in Rockford for the race, state officials said.
The event is being supported by a $800,000 grant to the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, part of a larger $15 million grant program that Pritzker credited with bringing the event to the state. "My administration’s Tourism Incentive Grant Program attracted this major event to Rockford," the governor said in a statement, "and we look forward to showcasing Illinois’ natural beauty and world-class hospitality to the thousands of athletes and spectators that will join us over the next three years.” Ironman events include over 150 qualifying races in more than 50 countries, according to the organization.
In the United States, some other host cities include Boulder, Colorado; Des Moines, Iowa; Madison, Wisconsin; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Panama City Beach, Florida, among others. Visit Ironman.com for more information.
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