Race the iconic IRONMAN Wisconsin course featuring a lake swim, hilly bike ride, and challenging run, culminating in a finish at the state capitol with roaring fans. Madison provides an unforgettable rite of passage in the triathlon community with the iconic State Capitol as the finish line backdrop.
Key highlights include the famous run up the Helix out of the swim at Monona Terrace into T1, the vibrant crowds in Verona along the bike course, and a downtown run winding through Camp Randall Stadium and along University Bay.
Historical weather conditions average a high air temperature of 77°F (25°C), low air temperature of 56°F (13°C), and average water temperature of 70°F (21°C).
The race features a 2.4-mile two-lap clockwise swim in Lake Monona, exiting up the Helix at Monona Terrace into T1. The 112-mile bike course navigates south and west through rolling hills and farmlands of Wisconsin, including two loops and spectator crowds in Verona before returning up the Helix. The 26.2-mile run course is a 2-lap loop through downtown Madison, passing Camp Randall Stadium, UW Lakeshore Nature Reserve, University Bay, and looping around the State Capitol building to the finish line.
Athletes will enter the waters of Lake Monona as a self-seeded rolling start to begin their two-lap clockwise 2.4-mile swim. Once athletes complete their first lap, they will stay in the water to start their second lap. As athletes make their final left turn and exit the swim they will make their way up the Helix at Monona Terrace as they run up into T1.
Once athletes exit the changing area and head to their bikes they will start the 112-mile bike course by mounting their bikes and heading down the Helix. Once on course athletes will navigate south and then west before arriving at the hilly two-lap course, taking them through the farmlands of Wisconsin. Athletes are known to be met on the most challenging of hills with spectators cheering next to them as they reach the peaks. In the town of Verona, athletes are met by crowds lining the streets cheering them on as they start their second loop and then head back to the Monona Terrace. One final push up the Helix at the Monona Terrace and athletes will find the dismount line at the top.
This legendary run course is a spectator-friendly two-lap 26.2-mile course, taking athletes through the streets of downtown Madison. On their journey athletes are taken through the iconic Camp Randall Stadium before heading toward the UW Lakeshore Nature Reserve and running next to University Bay. As you head back toward downtown, you may notice the raucous crowds cheering you on as you run around the Capitol building before starting your second lap or heading toward the finish line.
Madison, Wisconsin, is the state capital, set on an isthmus between two lakes, Mendota and Monona, with many paths and a strong outdoor culture. The climate is continental: summers (June to August) are warm and humid, autumn is cool and colourful, winters (December to February) are long and cold with snow, and spring is slow. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to race, and the lakes are good for swimming in summer. Dane County Airport serves the city.
Yes, athletes can give their Bike Check Out ticket (found on the orange sheet in their packet) to a family member or friend to collect their gear.
Lost and found items will be available at the Information tent during race week. After the conclusion of the event, contact event services to locate missing items.
In the recovery area, nutrition will be available for all athletes who finish the race.
Unfortunately, due to high congestion in the finish line area, no spectators will be allowed. Please decide on a meeting place outside the area after they have finished.
No. There will be a medical information tent next to the medical tent where medical updates will be available on athletes who enter the medical tent.
Friends and/or family members are not permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. Athletes who choose not to respect this policy will receive an automatic disqualification (DSQ).
Yes. However, race organizers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.
iPods, MP3 players, phones, video cameras etc. are not permitted on the course.
The course will have distance markers in miles and kilometres.