Rockford’s First IRONMAN 70.3 Earns Nomination for Top U.S. Sports Award

Rockford, Illinois may be known for a lot of things, some good, some bad, but soon it could be known as the winner of the 2025 'Best New Sports Event'!

IRONMAN, A Huge Win for Rockford

On June 22, 2025, over 2,700 athletes from all over the United States and beyond came to Rockford to compete in the city's first IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.

The competition featured a 1.2 mile swim down the Rock River, biking 56 miles through northern Winnebago County and Rockton, and a 13.1‑mile run through downtown Rockford.

Despite the intense heat, the event was a huge success that received many glowing reviews. Now it's up for a 2025 SportsTravel Award too!

What Are the SportsTravel Awards?

The SportsTravel Awards "honor the best events, venues and hosts in the sports-event industry", and winning this award would not only give Rockford national recognition as a leader in sports tourism, but it would attract even more people for the 2026 race.

How to Vote & Make Rockford a Winner

From now through August 22, 2025, residents, athletes, spectators, and fans can help Rockford win the SportsTravel Award by voting for Best New Sports Event on the SportsTravel Awards website. Just search for 'Best New Sports Event' and pick 'IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford' for the big win!

Go place your vote now, tell your neighbors, friends, and family to do the same thing, and don't forget to mark your calendar for next year's race: Sunday, June 21, 2026!