FOOD, FUN, & SPECTATING – IRONMAN 70.3 NEW ORLEANS

UPDATE: We have updated this post for 2016 with the most current information available. All photos are courtesy of Ironman XC.

What a great place for a race! There is so much to see, do, and most of all eat! Being part of the Traveling Mom network, we turned to our fellow travelers for their expert opinion on food and fun in New Orleans, while we handled the sport of spectating. Our favorite articles were:

Family Friendly New Orleans: 7 Free Places to Go by Judy Antell

A Perfect Day in New Orleans by Chris Bird

The Family Side of New Orleans by Jennifer Close

Some of the highlights include:

• The Audubon Aquarium of the Americans
• Hop on the Riverfront Streetcar
• Take a ride on a Steamboat
• Take a voodoo and cemetery tour, my personal favorite

Jodi and Guy really enjoyed doing Ironman 70.3 New Orleans in 2011. Over the years, the swim has been cancelled for various reasons, but the race and city are so awesome, people keep going back! This year, there is a change to the course again and the start and finish will all take place at South Shore Harbor and there is only one transition area.

TRIWIVESCLUB TIPS:

• The shuttles available from the Hilton Riverside New Orleans are for athletes only. You will have to drive to the South Shore Harbor Marina. Spectators will have limited access to and from Stars and Stripes Blvd., between the times of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on race day. Trisupporters are asked to arrive early, as parts of Stars and Stripes Blvd. are used for the bike and run courses, so movement is limited. South Shore Harbor and the surrounding parking lots around the venue hold an estimated 3,000 vehicles so plenty of parking is available
• The swim starts at 7am at the South Shore Marina and goes off in waves. Make sure you know which wave your triathlete is in and the color of the swim cap.
• It seems like viewing of your triathlete on the bike course will be very limited as it is closed to vehicle traffic. So, once they head out for the one-loop, you won’t seem them until they’re done.
• The run is also one-loop along Lake Shore Drive.
• We recommend bringing something to keep yourselves and your family occupied for the day and bring plenty of snacks and maybe even lunch. Race management is working to have spectator food & refreshments on site for purchase and it looks like they have a few things by the Expo, but check when you get there and prepare accordingly.
• Make sure you regularly check for updates from Ironman.
• Carefully review the Ironman Athlete Guide and there’s also a VIP Spectator Experience and Guide, so you know the routes for the bike and run and to pick the best location for you to catch your athlete and be at the finish line!
• The Awards Ceremony and world championship slots rolldown will take place at 3:30pm at South Shore Harbor.
• PACK PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN and make sure you have portable chargers for your electronics! We also have a great article on what to pack for race day.
• You can track your athlete on race day at Ironman and/or download the apps for IronMobile or IMtrackr.
• There isn’t a Kids FUNRUN this year.
• The Ironman Village and Expo is located at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, although it looks like they are also setting up an Expo right by transition.

We hope everyone has a successful and fun race day. We’ll be cheering everyone on from far away sidelines……