Welcome to 70.3 Western Mass!
Springfield, MA, has embraced this relatively new race with great community support and responsive updates from the race director. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for race day.
Pre-Race Logistics:
The race is held on a Sunday, giving you time to travel on Friday and check in on Saturday (if you want a quick turn around). The nearest airport, Hartford (BDL), is just 30 minutes away. The start, finish, transition, and expo are conveniently close to one another, making Springfield an easy city to navigate on race weekend.
Where to Stay:
The MGM Casino, the host hotel, is ideally located near the race hub and also has a large parking garage open to athletes on race day.
If you are staying outside the city, there are other hotel options within a short drive, but rental inventory is limited compared to other Ironman races.
Check-In:
Park in the MGM garage or use free street parking near the Mass Mutual Center (expo location).
From there, it’s a short walk to pick up your race packet, grab your bike, and drop it off at transition, all in one go without having to drive around.
Weather Considerations: New England in early summer can be unpredictable. In 2024, athletes faced a torrential downpour during the bike and run portions, a possibility during this season. Be prepared for:
Moderate temperatures: Warm, but not extreme.
Low humidity: Comfortable for most athletes.
In case of rain: Stay cautious on sharp turns and descents if the roads are wet.
Transition Area:
The transition area saw a major improvement compared to 2023, moving to the ground level of a parking garage. This change eliminates a lot of distance and a very long transition with a steep hill from the first year. However, transition is still one of the longer ones in Ironman races.
Things to consider:
Bare asphalt surface: Watch your step during the run-in and bike out.
The layout can be confusing, so walk through it after dropping off your bike.
Sharp turns on before bike mount line - make sure to practice running with your bike and navigating some sharp bends!
Swim exit to transition: Includes a steep hill and a road crossing. Plan to peel off your wetsuit during this stretch if needed.
The Swim: Downstream and Fast
The 1.2-mile swim in the Connecticut River is fast thanks to the current, but the start is a 1.2-mile walk from transition with no shuttles.
WALK TO SWIM START - NO SHUTTLE
Transition opens at 4:30 a.m.; the race starts at 6:00 a.m.
Use the morning bag drop for shoes and water for the walk to the start.
Porta-potties are available along the way and at the start area.
The swim itself is usually wetsuit-legal (around 70°F) with no warm-up allowed, so bring swim bands to get ready. The water is shallow near the start, so you’ll need to wade out before beginning. Aim to stay in the fastest-moving current for extra speed.
Pro Tip: Turn toward the shore early as you approach the exit to avoid overshooting downstream. Volunteers will assist at the stairs, which are tall enough to feel designed for giants!
The Bike: Rolling Hills and New England Charm
The 56-mile bike course is scenic, and challenging. Expect about 2,500 feet of climbing with constant rollers and a few steep sections.
Miles 0 - 5: Flat, which gives you time to settle in before the climbing begins
Miles 5-14: Gentle
Mile 25-30: Main climb, followed by a fast descent.
Mile 35: A shorter climb, then rolling hills to the finish.
Police and course marshals do a great job managing traffic, but stay alert as you ride through West Springfield toward the finish.
Gear Tip: Use a cassette suited for climbs and rollers. A 32/11 cassette worked well for me, though I’m a strong climber.
Enjoy the race course support from locals that like to sit and watch as the race goes by. There are usually some local photographers that will post pictures for free on the Facebook page, so keep an eye on that!
The Run: Loops and Hills
The two-loop run course was completely redesigned in 2024, offering a mix of hills and flat sections. The route takes you out of town, through two loops around a park, and back again, with two steep hills to tackle at the start and finish.
After the hilly bike course, pace yourself on the hills at the start of the run.
Pay attention at the end of your first loop to avoid missing the turn for your second loop.
Final Thoughts
70.3 Western Mass offers a well-organized race with great community support and thoughtful improvements from year to year. Be prepared for New England’s unpredictable weather, rolling hills, and some logistical quirks (like the long walk to the swim start). With proper preparation, this course offers a rewarding challenge in a unique location!