The IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon has found a home in Salem (at least through 2028 — hopefully longer). The annual race brings 2,500 athletes to compete in a 1.2-mile downriver swim in the Willamette River, a 56-mile bike ride through Oregon’s wine country and a 13.1-mile run in Minto Brown Island Park. (It also brings about 7,500 additional visitors — Welcome, athletes and supporters!)
Each athlete will have 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete the race, which begins at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, July 21. An Awards Ceremony at 3:45 p.m. completes the day.
At the center of the event weekend is the IRONMAN Village, a space (free and open to the public) where athletes and the public can interact with official IRONMAN partners and vendors.
Just For Kids!
The IRONKIDS Fun Run will take place 9 a.m. Saturday, July 20 in Riverfront Park. It offers an opportunity for youth to participate for the excitement and engagement, not the competition. Offering distances of 1 mile, 0.5 mile, 80 feet and 26.2 feet (the “diaper dash”), is aimed youth age 17 and younger. Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt, medal, goodie bag and race bib. Learn more at ironman.com/im703-oregon
Spectators Welcome!
Gather. Watch. Cheer! Spectators are welcome to cheer on the athletes. The start of the mass swim is one moment of excitement, but fanfare from the sidelines is a good morale booster during other parts of the race, too. Athletes are expected to cross the finish line at Riverfront Park between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. with the majority finishing between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Some parts of the race are more interesting than others and there will be downtimes when not much seems to be happening, so plan your day accordingly. Also, remember to dress for the weather and wear sunscreen. And bring your own water and snacks, too.
Volunteers Welcome, too!
IRONMAN events are only possible with the support of their volunteers. Local volunteer coordinator Moses Keener said they engage about 1,000 volunteers, who assist with many jobs from athlete check-in and the information desk to lifeguards and aid station support. You can volunteer solo or as a community group. Learn more and sign up at ironman.com/volunteer
Note (for Locals)
Several roads through Salem will be diverted during the race. Signs will be posted to notify drivers of the impacted areas and hours. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront and Minto-Brown Island Parks will be closed to the public on July 21.
If going downtown, give yourself extra time to travel and find parking. And don’t forget, you can park free all day in our downtown parking garages (Chemeketa, Liberty, Marion, etc.) (Click here for the list of Road Closures and Traffic Information from the City of Salem)
The Locals Recommend...
We asked. They answered. We asked a few of our favorite people to tell us "what's your 'must do' Salem recommendation?" and this is what they had to say...
From Karen, David and Doug of the Salem band City of Pieces —
All three of us are huge fans of our downtown, starting with The Reed at its epicenter. Nearby is a cluster of three of our favorite places to run into friends, pick up a novel, and hit up some old-school pinball: GovCup, Book Bin, and Coin Jam. Not far from the downtown core are two places we love to browse vinyl and enjoy the vibes, Offbeat Coffee and Drum Bug.
Our much-loved source of funky clothes and raucous basement shows is Blast Off! Vintage and a favorite hangout bar is f/stop Fitzgerald’s Public House.
To venture into nature, we love the expansiveness of Minto Island Park for walking, bike riding, and kayaking. Minto Island Growers is an amazing place for produce and to hang out in the summer months.
From Alvin Klaussen, “King of Salem” —
As someone who has run the Ironman 70.3 Oregon, I understand the importance of a cold pre-or-post-race beer. Well, you’re in luck! The Salem area was once known as the “Hop Capital of the World”, producing hops for delicious beers across the globe. The Salem Brewery Blocks, near Salem Airport, hosts six breweries just blocks from one another. Start your journey at Ratchet Brewing for a diverse selection of craft beers and motor-themed brewery environment. Then head to For Tomorrow We Die to enjoy delicious food paired with unique brews and extraordinary ambiance. Next, explore the creative offerings at Shades of Brew, followed by a cozy stop at Sparky's Brewing Company. Don't miss the family-friendly environment at Gilgamesh Brewing and wrap up your tour with the English-inspired beers of Santiam Brewing. Each spot offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for unwinding after your Ironman challenge.
From Vanessa Nordyke, Salem City Councilor Ward 7 and Executive Director of CASA of Marion County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children in foster care —
Saturday morning itinerary in Salem:
Morning stroll through Minto Brown Park, to check out the eagles’ nests along the river. Parking at the old hazelnut orchard on Homestead Road allows you to start your journey at a more secluded part of the park.
Weekend Brunch at Lively Station, a locally owned restaurant on River Road South just a short bike ride or drive from Minto Brown.
After washing up and getting dressed, I recommend checking out Salem on the Edge art gallery, another locally owned establishment specializing in Oregon artists in downtown Salem.
Ellen Yin, Founder of Cubicle to CEO® and 2024 Mrs. Oregon America —
Brunch at Word of Mouth is a must! Get your name on the waitlist early because it's always busy, but the wait is worth every minute. The converted craftsman-style home makes for a cozy, charming dining experience and the food is truly next level.
For mental stimulation and a memorable group experience, try Exitus Escape Rooms then head upstairs for a bite after at Fork Forty Food Hall (I recommend Chubby Bao House!) Speaking of Chubby Bao, the co-owner/my friend Joe Ngo is featured as the "mob boss" in the "Operation Takeout" themed escape room. Love a local business collab. We recently tried (and failed) to escape that room in time, but it was a blast.
Marie Greene, author and founder of Olive Knits + the Knit Camp® app —
Our first stop is for coffee at Archive (love the vibe!). Then we’ll wander around Aunt Bee’s or take a tour at Chomp Chocolate (local chocolate? Yes please!). A favorite spot for lunch is Wild Pear or we’ll enjoy happy hour at Pacific Standard; they’re perfect spots for local food and wine. If there’s time, we’ll wrap things up with an evening at the Elsinore or check out local art at Salem on the Edge.
Brian Hart, co-founder of The Moxie Initiative & producer at Allied Video—
My go-to must-do with friends in the summer includes sitting outside at Venti’s downtown or on the rooftop at Basil & Board for drinks and food. The atmosphere and eats are equally satisfying. Then, head to Bush’s Pasture Park. It’s got great running and walking paths and open fields for playing frisbee.
I’m also a big supporter of the food truck experience and we have two awesome pods here in Salem: The Yard Food Park and Beehive Station Food Truck Pod. Both often have live music on the weekends, too.