Panama City Beach to host 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, traffic delays expected
PANAMA CITY BEACH − Some traffic detours are around corner as the Beach is slated to host the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast on May 13.
According to Ben Rausa, race director, about 2,000 people are registered to compete in the event, which boasts a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. The race is known to attract athletes not only from across the U.S., but the world.
"It's got a long history, with the Gulf Coast Triathlon that owned it before us," Rausa said of the event. "IRONMAN purchased it in 2016, and we've since continued to grow it and maintain it. The first year IRONMAN took it over, we saw a 1,000 athlete increase."
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Past traffic delays: Expect traffic delays: 2,500 IRONMAN triathletes taking over Bay County's roads on Saturday
The swim portion of the race will be held in the Gulf of Mexico, while the bike and run portions will occur on city streets.
Here is the list of roads that will experience delays during the run portion of the event:
Middle Beach Road near Edgewater Beach Resort exit from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Middle Beach Road near Grand Panama from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Middle Beach Road near Alf Coleman Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Middle Beach Road near Clara Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Dogwood Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Clara Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Alf Coleman Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Grand Panama from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Richard Jackson Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richard Jackson Boulevard near Edgewater Beach Resort entrance from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Here is the list of roads that will experience delays during the bike portion of the event:
Front Beach Road near Edgewater Beach Resort from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Middle Beach Road from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Front Beach Road near West Pier Park Drive from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Back Beach Road near Pier Park Drive from 6-9 a.m.
Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway near State 79 from 6-9 a.m.
State 79 North near West Bay Bridge from 6-9 a.m.
State 79 North near State 388 from 6-9 a.m.
State 79 North near Latitude Margaritaville Watersound from 6-9 a.m.
State 79 North near Vinson Road from 6-9 a.m.
State 79 North near Obies Street from 6-10 a.m.
State 79 South near Steel Field Road from 7-10 a.m.
State 79 South near Latitude Margaritaville Watersound from 7-10 a.m.
State 79 South near State 388 from 7-10 a.m.
State 79 South near Gayle's Trails from 8-10 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Ashley Drive from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Downing Street from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Wild Heron Homeowner's Association from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Front Beach Road from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Camp Helen entrance from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near near Camp exit from 8-11 a.m.
Panama City Beach Parkway near Front Beach Road from 8-11 a.m.
Front Beach Road near Laguna Beach from 8-11 a.m.
Front Beach Road near State 79 from 8-11 a.m.
Front Beach Road near Hills Road from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Middle Beach Road from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Lyndell Lane from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Front Beach Road near Edgewater Beach Resort from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A traffic impact map mailed to local residents by Visit Panama City Beach notes the routes for each portion of the race "were chosen to highlight the various areas that we feel fully showcase the beautiful setting of Panama City Beach and Bay County."
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach to host 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast on May 13.
