It’s finally here: Athletes and visitors will flood Richland and West Richland this weekend for the third annual Ironman Washington Tri-Cities triathlon on Sept. 20. 

The 70.3-mile race is expected to bring millions of dollars in visitor spending to local businesses but also traffic impacts throughout the Tri-Cities as an estimated 2,500 cyclists take to the roads. 

Drivers should expect delays to start around 6 a.m. Sept. 20 and continue until about 1 p.m. Organizers have identified five zones for when traffic will be the most congested or rerouted: 

• Zone 1 – George Washington Way and Highway 240: 6 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• Zone 2 – Duportail Street to Keene Road in Richland: 7–9:30 a.m. 
• Zone 3 – Keene/Queensgate to Cottonwood Drive: 7–10 a.m. 
• Zone 4 – Badger Road to Dallas Road: 7:15–11:45 a.m. 
• Zone 5 – Keene Road to Highway 240 in West Richland: 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

 Residents are encouraged to experience race day by finding a spot along the course and cheering for athletes as they swim, bike and run through the community. 
“You don’t have to race to be part of IRONMAN weekend,” Lewis said. “Come down to the river, find a place along the course and cheer. The support athletes receive from residents is one of the things that makes the Tri-Cities race special and leaves visitors with a lasting impression of our community.” 

Organizers also note that race weekend isn’t just about race day or those competing. Party at the Point, a free community celebration, will be from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Columbia Point Marina Park with live music, food trucks, local makers and retailers, family-friendly activities and race-weekend festivities for everyone.  

Parking at Columbia Point will be limited. Free parking will be available at Fran Rish Stadium at 1350 Lee Blvd. with complimentary shuttles running continuously between the stadium and Columbia Point Marina Park from 4:30-8:30 p.m. 

Additionally, boaters and hikers should take note of closures to boat launches and trailheads to accommodate the race. 

• Leslie Groves Park – Snyder Boat Launch: Closed from 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The area is part of the race-day run course. 
• North Howard Amon Park Parking Lot and Boat Launch: Closed from 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The area is part of the race-day run course. 
• Bradley Boulevard Trailhead: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The area will serve as a run-course aid station. 
• River Road at Hains Avenue: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The area is part of the run course and will include an aid station. 
• Columbia Point Marina: Boat launches will be closed Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20. The marina parking lot will have limited public access Friday and Saturday and no public access on Sunday, Sept. 20. 

For traffic information, course maps, spectator resources, volunteer opportunities and race-weekend details, go to VisitTri-Cities.com/IRONMAN.