The 2026 IRONMAN California triathlon returns to the Sacramento region Sunday, Oct. 18, bringing temporary street closures, freeway ramp restrictions and traffic delays to downtown Sacramento and surrounding communities.
Residents, commuters and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes during the event.
Traffic impacts will begin Tuesday, Oct. 13, and continue through Tuesday, Oct. 20, as crews prepare for the race, set up the finish area and remove event equipment. Several downtown streets will close in advance of race day.
Downtown Sacramento street closures
The following streets will be affected beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13, through race day and the following days:
| Street | Location | Closure times |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Mall | Third to Fifth streets | 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, to noon Tuesday, Oct. 20 |
| Fourth Street | L to N streets (parking garage access maintained) | 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, to noon Tuesday, Oct. 20 |
| Capitol Mall | Fifth to Seventh streets | 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Fifth Street | N to L streets | 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Capitol Mall | Seventh Street to the traffic circle | Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Sixth Street | L Street to Capitol Mall | Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Seventh Street | L Street to Capitol Mall | Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Eighth Street | L Street to Capitol Mall | Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Ninth Street | L Street to Capitol Mall | Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 |
| Cabaldon Parkway (Tower Bridge) | Riverfront Street to Front Street (east side) | 7 a.m. Sunday to midnight |
| Neasham Circle | Front Street (Old Sacramento) to Front Street | 12:30 p.m. Sunday to 12:30 a.m. Monday |
| Front Street (Old Sacramento) | L to J streets | 12:30 p.m. Sunday to 12:30 a.m. Monday |
| Front Street southbound | Neasham Circle to R Street overpass | 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday |
| R Street | Second to Sixth streets | 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday |
| Sixth Street | R to L streets | 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday |
| N Street | Sixth to Seventh streets | 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday |
Additional lane restrictions and detours will be in place on streets approaching the race route, including portions of Seventh, Eighth and Ninth streets. Access to designated parking garages will be maintained where indicated by traffic control signage.
Freeway ramp closures
The following freeway ramps will also be affected Sunday, Oct. 18:
- Highway 50 eastbound on-ramp near 15th Street: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Interstate 5 northbound off-ramp to Q Street: 6 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday.
- Interstate 5 southbound off-ramp to Q Street: 6 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday.
Plan ahead
Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the race routes and plan alternate travel arrangements before heading downtown or traveling through affected areas.
For course maps and additional information, visit IRONMAN California’s official website.
For questions or concerns about race-related traffic impacts, email community.cgi@ironman.com or call 615-669-0022.
