The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Omaha will send more than 2,000 athletes swimming, biking and running through the city, finishing along the banks of the Missouri River. Whether you’re racing, or cheering with a box of doughnuts in hand, here’s everything you need to know.
Race Facts
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- IRONMAN 70.3 Omaha is the city's first-ever IRONMAN event. The “70.3” refers to the total race distance in miles: a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. The swim takes place at Lake Cunningham in northwest Omaha.
- The bike course is point-to-point, starting at Lake Cunningham and winding through Omaha’s northwest neighborhoods before finishing downtown. Total elevation gain: 2,921 feet.
- The 13.1-mile run is two laps along the Missouri River, using the Omaha Riverfront Trail and crossing the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge into Council Bluffs and back. Athletes have 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete the entire course. Top finishers earn qualifying slots to the 2026 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France, on Sept. 12-13.
- The IRONMAN Village at Gallup University Riverfront Campus is free and open to the public all weekend. It has an IRONMAN Merchandise Store. Pick up a souvenir. Omaha has a long history of hosting major athletic events, from the College World Series to U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming.
How to Watch
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The finish line and IRONMAN Village are at Gallup University Riverfront Campus, 1001 Gallup Drive. Spectator parking is in the D Lot at Charles Schwab Field (enter off Abbot Drive, $10 cash or card), a short walk from the village.
The rolling swim start begins at Lake Cunningham at 7 a.m. Spectator parking for the swim is at Northwest High School, 8550 Crown Point Ave. A free shuttle runs from the high school to Lake Cunningham from 5:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. There is no parking at Lake Cunningham.
Parking at Gallup and finding a spot is your best bet to see the event’s run section. Athletes do a loop twice. Watch for athletes crossing into Iowa over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and returning to Nebraska. The Awards Ceremony is at 5 p.m. at the IRONMAN Village.
Eat, Drink and Relax
Back to Top of ListThe finish line puts you steps from downtown Omaha’s best restaurants and some of the city's nicest outdoor spaces. Here's where to go.
The Old Market is a five-minute drive from the finish line and Omaha's most walkable dining neighborhood.
Le Bouillon is a French bistro with small plates and a patio ideal for post-race lingering.
Upstream Brewing Company offers house-brewed beers and a menu with something for every appetite, including pasta and burgers.
M's Pub has been a fixture in the Old Market since 1972, known for its wine list and reliable comfort food. Jackson Street Tavern has a nice patio and a big menu. The Boiler Room is a destination for an upscale dinner.
Nearby, The RiverFront offers 72 acres of green space to stretch out and enjoy the June weather. Check out a toy boat from the boat cart (Sundays only) and speed around the Boat Cove. Or just play a casual game of frisbee.
Midtown Crossing's Turner Park is about 2 miles from downtown. Park yourself in an Adirondack chair (each hand-painted one a work of art) or unfold a blanket on the green lawn for a much-needed rest.
Grab pizza at Ray’s Pizza and Wings or Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom, Latin food at Pa Mas, Mediterranean at Mazza or sandwiches at Pickleman’s. Proof has craft cocktails; Base Kamp and Chateau Vin have wine; and Thirst-Tea Café has bubble tea. Treat yourself to a post-race pedicure at Garbo’s.
Another nearby option (you’ve likely covered enough mileage today) is the Blackstone neighborhood, which offers even more dining, drinking and entertainment options. Think tacos, ramen, craft cocktails, ice cream, Reuben sandwiches and karaoke.
Then head back to your nearby hotel for a good night’s rest. Whether you raced or watched, you’ve earned sweet dreams in Omaha.
