It's official: Hilton Head Island Ironman 70.3 triathlon approved for October 2016
Time to sign up for that gym membership, because the Hilton Head Island Ironman 70.3 triathlon is officially coming.
The first of five annual autumn races will be held late October 2016.
The event -- half the length of a full, 140.6-mile Ironman event -- will include a 1.2-mile ocean swim at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto Dunes, a 56-mile bike route along US 278 to greater Bluffton and back (see map below), and a 13.1-mile run to a finish line in the new Shelter Cove Community Park.
All that was needed was a special event permit, which town officials have already approved, said Bill Miles, director of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has negotiated with Ironman to bring a triathlon race to Hilton Head for a year, and the two can now formalize the planned five-year contract, he added.
Now Ironman officials are expected to name a local race director and headquarters office before opening registration for the race later this year, Miles said. Specific race registration dates have not been announced.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the area, for the region," Miles said. "We haven't celebrated yet, but it's a terrific opportunity."
The race will be held without the endorsement of Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
He has repeatedly raised concerns about public safety and inconvenience due to the extensive lane closures that will be in place on race day along the bike portion of the route. Those could severely limit residents' ability to drive during a large portion of race day and could potentially hinder emergency response, he has said.
Elected officials at the county and town unanimously support the event. Tanner has pledged to handle traffic control and public safety for the event despite his concerns.
The event is expected to bring thousands of racers and family members to the area during the week around the race day. The chamber estimates the influx could inject $10 million into the local economy.
"It's really an opportunity for Hilton Head to shine and really get face time on an international level," town councilman Bill Harkins said. Follow reporter Zach Murdock on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Zach and on Facebook at facebook.com/IPBGZach.
Related content:
- Ironman 70.3 race to move forward despite sheriff's concerns, June 23, 2015
- Tuesday morning meeting to discuss Ironman 70.3 triathlon on Hilton Head, June 22, 2015
- Sheriff, Ironman supporters running in circles to create new race route, May 28, 2015
- 'Clock is ticking' to seal deal for Hilton Head Ironman, race leader says, May 22, 2015
- Long-secret Hilton Head Ironman plans come to light as race route divides leaders, sheriff, May 21, 2015
This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 9:38 AM with the headline "It's official: Hilton Head Island Ironman 70.3 triathlon approved for October 2016."