Ironman California to close Sacramento streets, freeway ramps. Here’s where to avoid
Thousands of athletes will swim, cycle and run through Sacramento this weekend as the Ironman California triathlon returns to the capital city.
Several Sacramento streets and freeways will shut down due to the race, with closures beginning as early as Thursday, Oct. 24.
The 2024 Kaiser Permanente Ironman California kicks off Sunday, Oct. 27, with a 2.4-mile swim through the American and Sacramento rivers.
Competitors will then participate in a 112-mile bicycle ride around the Delta and a 26.2-mile run, event organizers said,
“The race culminates at an epic finish line at the California State Capitol, providing a grand and iconic backdrop for becoming an Ironman,” the event website said.
According to the city, the most directly affected by the competition will be Old Sacramento, downtown and Capitol Mall.
What is Ironman California?
Part of the VinFast Ironman North American series, the Ironman California triathlon is one of a few Ironman triathlons in the nation and the only event of its kind in California.
Sunday’s event will be Sacramento’s third Ironman triathlon.
The city is set to host the annual event through at least 2028 after signing a multiyear agreement with the Ironman organization in 2023.
Ironman California offers registered competitors a slot at the 2025 Ironman World Championship in Spain.
Registration for the California race was sold out as of Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Which Sacramento streets are closed for 2024 triathlon?
Several streets will close for the Ironman California triathlon, some for multiple days.
Here’s where to expect closures and when, according to the city of Sacramento:
Starting Thursday:
- Capitol Mall from Fifth to Ninth streets: 8 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28
Starting Sunday:
- Tower Bridge Gateway from Riverfront Street to Front Street (east side): 4 a.m. to noon Sunday
- Front Street Parking Strip in Old Sacramento from I Street to Neasham Circle: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday
- Neasham Circle from Front Street in Old Sacramento to Front Street: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday
Southbound Front Street from Neasham Circle to Broadway: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday
- Eastbound Jibboom Street Bridge from Sacramento River Bike Trail to Natomas Park Drive: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday
- R Street from Second to Seventh streets: 11 a.m. Sunday to 12:30 a.m. Monday
- Seventh Street from R to N streets: 11 a.m. Sunday to 12:30 a.m. Monday
- N Street from Seventh to 13th streets: 11 a.m. Sunday to 1:30 a.m. Monday
- L Street from Ninth to 15th streets: 11 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday
- Ninth Street from L to N streets: 11 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday
Where are Highway 50 freeway closures?
These Highway 50 exits will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
- Westbound Highway 50 off-ramp from Fifth Street
- Eastbound Highway 50 on ramp from River Road on ramp near 15th Street
Will bus and light rail services be affected by race?
The Sacramento Regional Transit District will offer limited services in downtown Sacramento on Sunday due to road closures related to Ironman California.
“Fixed-route bus and light rail services will not operate in parts of downtown Sacramento from noon until the end of service due the race,” the transit district said in an Oct. 20 news release.
Starting at noon on Sunday, the following light rail stations will be closed on the Gold Line:
- Sacramento Valley Station
- Seventh and I streets/County Center
- Eighth and H streets/County Center
- Eighth and K streets
- Seventh Street and Capitol Avenue
- Eighth Street and Capitol Avenue
- Eighth and O streets
- Archives Plaza
On the Blue Line, these light rail stations will be closed starting at noon Sunday:
- Ninth and K streets
- Seventh Street and Capitol Avenue
- Ninth and K streets
- Seventh Street and Capitol Avenue
- Eight Street and Capitol Avenue
- Eighth and O streets
- Archives Plaza
SacRT said riders can use a shuttle bus to travel between stations.
For riders on the Gold Line, the so-called “bus bridge” will be available from the Sacramento Valley Station to the 13th Street Station.
For the Blue Line, you can take a shuttle bus from the stations at 10th and K streets or 11th and K streets to the 13th Street station.
“The bus bridge will not be able to make any downtown stops in between due to road closures,” the transit district said.
SacRT bus detours will be in place for routes 11, 30, 38, 51, 62, 86, 88 and 142.
If you need to head back downtown, you can catch a special service bus at one of two light rail stations:
- 13th Street
- 11th and K streets
“SacRT urges riders to ask the bus operator which direction they’re going to ensure they’re not boarding the wrong bus,” it said.
This story was originally published October 23, 2024 at 2:39 PM.
