It’s Back to Chattanooga: 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Host Announced
The long-awaited question has finally been answered – IRONMAN has finally announced the location for next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. The race will return to Chattanooga, Tennessee, the site of the 2017 worlds, the first time that the 70.3 worlds was held over two days. The races will take place on Aug. 28 and 29, 2027. According to IRONMAN the field could be as large at 7,000 for the two days of racing.
Chattanooga has been hosting IRONMAN events for over a decade, but today’s announcement comes with news of a five-year agreement that includes an IRONMAN Pro Series event “in the coming years.”
“Chattanooga has already demonstrated its ability to deliver an exceptional IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship experience,” said Diana Bertsch, Managing Director, IRONMAN North America & World Championship Events. “From its stunningly scenic courses to the overwhelming community engagement, we are thrilled to return in 2027 and once again showcase this iconic destination to a global audience. This expanded partnership reflects our shared commitment to long-term success and continued growth, including the return of professional racing.”
The course will, as has become the norm at the events in Chattanooga, include a swim in the Tennessee River, a bike course through the rolling terrain into Northern Georgia, and a scenic run along the riverwalk in the city.
The city recognizes the economic benefits of the IRONMAN brand – according to today’s release “IRONMAN Chattanooga and IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga generated a combined US$26.8 million in total economic impact” in 2025. According to IRONMAN, last year’s 70.3 worlds in Marbella “delivered the equivalent of $71 million in total economic impact.”
“The world’s best athletes deserve a world-class destination, and that’s exactly what Chattanooga delivers with endless outdoor adventure and the exceptional hospitality Tennessee is known for,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. “IRONMAN will bring visitors – and the tax dollars they generate – from around the globe, generate millions in economic impact for local businesses and showcase the experiences that inspire travelers to return to Tennessee again and again.”
“We’re thrilled that the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is returning to Chattanooga,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “This is an incredible opportunity to share Chattanooga with a global audience, some of whom will become lifelong advocates for our city. What makes Chattanooga special is how our entire community comes together to create and support experiences that keep athletes and visitors coming back.”
Well, the early Chatty rumor has come true.
For the record that was back in November that I heard Chatty as an option and shared that with you ingrates. 
What is the course like? Anything notable about it?
So, what are the odds of a backlash after the following:
2026 May 70.3
2026 Sept Ironman
2027 May 70.3
2027 August 70.3 Worlds August 28
2027 August 70.3 Worlds August 29
2027 September Ironman
Too much of a good thing? Are they cancelling some of the other races?
Either way, I plan to be there.
I haven’t done the race since the 2017 Worlds edition and don’t know if the bike course is different for the 70.3. Our course did this huge climb about 10 miles in up to Georgia Swim will be fast. Run was a two loop affair with some decent climbs.
I appreciate how it’s not in September.
Also, here’s the official announcement
Skippable
I want to race this so I need to get my ass in shape.
Average high of 88F in August in Chattanooga, with an average of 7 days of rainfall.
Good heat training for Kona!
River swim for worlds is wack. How strong is the current there?
I think it depends. The course for the 2017 edition was partially against the current and wasn’t very fast.
That’s a good solution, hopefully they repeat that.
Chattanooga is a pretty cool city actually. And some of the surrounding countryside is stunning. I remember driving across country once and out of no where I was driving across islands in Nickajack lake. It felt like I was transported to another country.
Yeah it was like swim out across the current, then up into it, and then back with it, like a triangle.
Too bad it’s there…husband and I will pass on it