The sixth annual PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon will have significant traffic impacts on area roadways this weekend as runners and bicyclists hit the streets Saturday.
The race starts with the swim at 7:30 a.m. in Wrightsville Beach. Bike and run segments will move through New Hanover, Pender, Sampson and Bladen counties throughout the day Saturday, ending at the finish line in downtown Wilmington.
The following areas will be affected by more than 2,250 athletes expected to participate in the event:
- In downtown Wilmington, Water Street from Grace to Dock Street–the site of the triathlon finish line–will be closed from noon Friday, Oct. 25, through 2 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. The Riverfront Farmers’ Market has been relocated for the event. Related story: Riverfront Farmers’ Market to relocate Saturday for triathlon
- The intersection of Market Street (U.S. 17) and Porters Neck Road just south of the I-140 interchange is expected to have delays from 7:30 to 10 a.m. for northbound traffic on Market Street at Porters Neck Road. Motorists are also advised to expect delays for Porters Neck Road traffic accessing Market Street.
- Cycling traffic will move through Market Street until noon Saturday.
- The Heide Trask Drawbridge–also known as the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge–will have increased race traffic until 10:30 a.m.
- The Isabel Holmes Bridge and U.S. 421 will experience race traffic from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday. Motorists are advised to use the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge when traveling between Wilmington and Brunswick County.
- Expect delays for southbound traffic on U.S. 421 from I-140 to the Battleship North Carolina from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling, plan for extra travel time and take alternate routes when possible.
About the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon
The race benefits the Wilmington Family YMCA.
According to officials with the event, the triathlon has been ranked among the top five iron distance races in the world by Triathlete magazine and generates more than $4 million in local economic impacts. The race includes 19 international competitors and triathletes from 42 states.
The full iron distance race includes a 2.4-mile swim in Banks Channel along Wrightsville Beach, a 112-mile bike through New Hanover, Pender, Sampson and Bladen counties, and a full marathon of 26.2 miles that finishes on Water Street in downtown Wilmington. The half-iron course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run that also begins at Wrightsville Beach and ends in downtown Wilmington.
More information about the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon can be found here.
