CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — On Saturday, May 4, a field of approximately 2,500 athletes is set to compete in the Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship in Southern Utah. What does that mean for area residents?
Starting line of the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship, Sand Hollow State Park, Utah, May 6, 2023 | Photo courtesy of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, St. George News
“To really understand the event, I think you kind of have to be immersed in the event in a large sense,” said Chad McWilliams, sports and adventure sales manager for the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. “There are ways to feel a part of it and support these people who are bringing their dreams here to complete this scenic and difficult race.”
The Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship in St. George attracts athletes worldwide to tackle its renowned course. Set against a backdrop shaped by endurance and determination, participants seeking a challenge will journey through two iconic state parks, basalt lava fields and a delicate desert reserve, aiming to conquer one of the most prestigious global events.
Race director Ryan Cooper expressed how his affection for the event and Southern Utah blossomed during his participation in 2015.
“I was blown away by the community outreach, the support of the volunteers, the beautiful venue, the turquoise blue water, the red sandstone mountains and just this epic bike ride from Sand Hollow through Snow Canyon,” Cooper said. “It was like being in another world.”
You don’t have to be a participant to indulge in the experience of the upcoming IRONMAN, however. Whether you’re an enthusiast or someone seeking to contribute your time and energy to the event’s success, there are many opportunities for individuals of all ages to become actively engaged in the excitement.
Become a volunteer
Volunteer opportunities provide individuals with a unique chance to engage directly in the event’s logistics and play a pivotal role. Cooper emphasized that volunteers witness athletes at their most fatigued and challenged and at their triumphant best as they cross the finish line in celebration. Being present through every emotional turn alongside the racers is undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of the experience.
Volunteers assist athletes during the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship, St. George, Utah, May 6, 2023 | Photo courtesy of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, St. George News
“Why should you be a volunteer?” Cooper said. “Because you get front-row spectator seats to this awesome event. You’re right in it. You’re part of it. It’s not an ‘us and them.’ We’re all working together to create this amazing experience for people to achieve their athletic dreams.”
Volunteers play diverse roles throughout the event, ensuring seamless operation from start to finish. From assisting athletes with the removal of their wetsuits as they emerge from the water to directing traffic to maintain safety and efficiency, volunteers are integral to the race day experience.
Volunteers can be found at aid stations along the course, providing much-needed hydration and support to participants as they push themselves to achieve their goals. Medical volunteers are also an important part of the race.
Anyone interested in volunteering can register at this link.
Be a spectator and cheerleader
The finish line at 100 South and Main Street in St. George provides the ultimate spectator location and is great for all ages. The first professional athlete is expected to cross the finish line just after 10:30 a.m., while the final finisher is expected to complete the race around 4:30 p.m. McWilliams said witnessing some of the final competitors cross the finish line is an unforgettable experience that stirs emotions among racers, volunteers and spectators.
“The excitement, the energy I felt on Main Street when I was finishing, it left an impact on me,” Cooper added about his 2015 race. “And I love being able to give that back to racers.”
Additional prime locations to catch sight of racers include any point along Main Street beyond the post office and along Diagonal Street. These areas provide vantage points for viewing both cyclists and runners.
Spectators can also watch competitors throughout both the bike and run courses. The cycling section of the race takes participants from the city of Hurricane to the signature climb into Snow Canyon State Park with a fast descent back into downtown St. George. To watch the swim start, spectators must take the provided shuttle from Town Square Park to Sand Hollow State Park on race morning. See the 2024 swim, bike and run courses at this link.
For everyone’s safety, all spectators should be actively aware of racers on the course and only cross race routes where specifically designated.
Getting around
The 70.3-mile race spans a large portion of Washington County and major roads; however, the IRONMAN crew and local officials have made extensive efforts to ensure residents and businesses aren’t blocked in. The safety of the community, the athletes, the volunteers and the spectators is the No. 1 priority.
Finish line of the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship, St. George, Utah, May 6, 2023 | Photo courtesy of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, St. George News
“We’re constantly tweaking things to make them just a little bit better, a little bit safer, a little bit less of an impact on the community,” Cooper said. “We try to open up roads as quickly as possible.”
To make things smoother for drivers, McWilliams said motorists should avoid major points of the race such as Red Hills Parkway, state Route 9 and Telegraph Street. All downtown businesses will remain open. For questions regarding the best route to get to a particular business, contact them directly.
“We just have to exercise patience through all of this,” he added. “It’s a little bit of a ways around, but you’re going to find smoother sailing that way instead of getting tangled up into some kind of road closure.”
With one day of racing, road closures will be implemented only on Saturday, May 4. All times are approximate and subject to change. For questions and concerns, visit IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com, call the IRONMAN Helpline at 435-301-7428 or email ironman@greaterzion.com.
Be aware of these event-related traffic impacts and adjust plans to minimize the impacts:
Get errands completed on days before road closures.
Plan your route to and from work, if working that Saturday.
Expect delays when entering or leaving impacted neighborhoods.
Reschedule regular deliveries; opt for delivery times other than Saturday.
Avoid crossing the race route; find an alternative.
“We don’t want to encourage people to just stay home,” McWilliams said. “Other businesses are not affected, and the city still functions. Don’t be afraid of getting out, either.”
IRONKIDS Fun Run
The IRONKIDS event allows children ages 1-17 to partake in the thrill of competition while immersing themselves in outdoor activities and fostering a culture of healthy living. Featuring a designated finish line, the fun run will have three distances: Mini Course (1/4 mile) for ages 1-3, Short Course (1/2 mile) for ages 3-17 and Long Course (1 mile) for ages 5-17.
The event will take place Friday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Town Square Park in St. George. For more information, see the event page.
Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.
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