Photo Credit: IRONMANNews
Traffic Impact of 2026 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas in The Woodlands on Saturday, April 18
The Woodlands will be hosting the 2026 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas North American Championship and athletes from around the world on Saturday, April 18. View our Traffic Impact guide to learn about the race course, road closures, and best places to watch the triathlon.
2026 IRONMAN Texas Course
On Saturday morning athletes will begin with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands, beginning at North Shore Park and ending in the canal at Town Green Park. The 112 mile bike course navigates through The Woodlands, then enters into Northern Harris County where athletes travel two loops on the Hardy Toll Road. The day ends with a 26.2-mile, three-lap run course taking place entirely within The Woodlands and concluding with a spectacular finish on Waterway Avenue. View Course Maps
TRAFFIC IMPACT
Roads in and around The Woodlands, Texas will be impacted starting as early as 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.
Major Roads to Avoid on Race Day, Saturday, April 18 (Expect Delays):
- Grogan’s Mill Road (northbound from Woodlands Parkway to Timberloch Place): All day until 6:30 PM.
- Grogan’s Mill Road (northbound from Sawdust Road to Woodlands Parkway): 11 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Grogan’s Mill Road (southbound from Timberloch Place to Sawmill Road): 7 AM to 11 AM.
- All Grogan’s Mill Road intersections between Timberloch Place and Sawmill Road until 6:30 PM.
- Sawdust Road (from Sawmill Road to Grogan’s Mill/Sawdust intersection): 7 AM to 6 PM.
- EB Woodlands Parkway (John Cooper Drive to Grogan’s Mill Road): Down to one lane until approximately noon.
- All Woodlands Parkway intersections between John Cooper Drive/Cochran’s Crossing Drive and Grogan’s Mill Road unitl approximately noon.
- Lake Woodlands Drive: Eastbound from Lakeside Blvd to Grogan’s Mill Road until around 11 AM
Run Course Road Closures:
- Lake Woodlands Dr/E Panther Creek: 11:10 AM – 11 PM
- E Panther Creek/Woodlands Pkwy: 11:15 AM – 11:30 PM
- Woodlands Pkwy/Lake Front Circle: 11:30 AM – 11:45 PM
- Timberloch/Woodloch Forest: 11:45 AM – Midnight
Additional Closures:
- Waterway Ave (Lake Robbins to Timberloch): CLOSED April 17–18
- Lake Robbins Dr (Six Pines to Grogan’s Mill): 5 AM – 12:30 AM
- Hardy Toll Road (southbound): CLOSED starting April 17 at 10 PM, reopens 6 PM race day
View and download 2026 IRONMAN Texas Traffic Guide here.
BEST PLACES TO WATCH
Swim: Along the Woodlands Pkwy Bridge east of North Shore Park or along the canal of The Woodlands Waterway between Lake Woodlands and Swim Finish.
Bike: The best option for watching the bike start and finish is along Lake Robbins Dr. and watch the bike race on Grogan’s Mill Rd, Woodlands Pkwy, and Lake Woodlands Dr.
Run: Along the waterway, especially near the restaurants close to Waterway Ave and near the transition area. And don’t miss Hippie Hollow, an area with tie-dye banners, twinkling lights, and costumed performers that becomes even more magical after the sun sets! North Shore Park is also great place for families to spectate.
Finish Line: The Finish Line is located on Waterway Ave just south of the intersection of Waterway Ave and Waterway Sq Place.
Parking: Personal vehicles will not be permitted into The Woodlands Mall, North Shore Park or Market St on race day. Cars parked in these areas are subject to be towed. All athletes and spectators can park in the parking garages off of Lake Robbins Dr (Waterway Square Garage, Town Center Garage, The Westin Garage). Be advised that all red zone and handicapped parking spaces will be strictly enforced.
View and download 2026 IRONMAN Texas Spectator Guide here.
For more information about IRONMAN Texas and for maps and course information visit Ironman.com/im-texas.
Stay tuned for more information, photos, and updates from the 2026 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas!
Source: IRONMAN Texas, Visit The Woodlands
