On Sunday, September 22nd 2,500 + competitors will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles along some of the most beautiful shoreline and spectacular views in the world. This is the first IRONMAN to be held in California since 2001. Athletes will compete for 50 qualifying slots for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
In a recent Moonshine Ink article, Keats McGonigal, the race director, is quoted as saying that this is “one of the more challenging races that we put on.” He goes on to say “the elevation gain on the bike course (which climbs over Brockway summit twice) and the high altitude will be especially difficult for competitors.” That did not deter competitors for signing up; 2500+ tickets sold out in 36 hours!
The race begins at 6:20 am with a 2.4 mile swim at Kings Beach State Recreation Area, then transitioning to the bike course. Athletes will race on bikes from Kings Beach through Tahoe City, the Truckee River Corridor, past Squaw Valley and into historic downtown Truckee. The Town of Truckee will be hosting an all-day festival featuring a beer garden, live music, children’s events and more. . . The racers will then turn back toward Lake Tahoe, passing through Northstar and climbing to the 7,200 foot elevation at Brockway Summit and returning to Kings Beach where they will begin a second loop with a finish in Squaw Valley. The running course begins at Squaw Valley and follows the Truckee River Bike Path to Tahoe City and returns to Squaw Valley for the finish.
According an article in the Sierra Sun, “it is estimated that this event will draw 10,000 visitors including 2,500 athletes to the Lake Tahoe/Truckee region generating an estimated $10 million in revenue for the local economy. . . Residents and visitors alike can expect road closures, traffic delays and detours along the race course, so planning ahead for your activities is imperative.” The article quoted David Reid, Ironman Lake Tahoe course director “once all the athletes are out on the (bike) course, it’ll open up . . . east, west traffic on 28 will pretty much flow as normal.”
Despite the traffic disruption this definitely is an event that will be fun to watch and be a great financial benefit to our local economy. “This is kind of like the Super Bowl of events for a community of this size” according to Reid.
For details about area closures and delays click on:
- The Ironman Lake Tahoe web site Traffic Impact page
- The Sierra Sun web site
To read profiles of four local athletes competing in the Ironman Lake Tahoe click here for a Moonshine Ink article.
For more information on Ironman Lake Tahoe:
- Ironman Lake Tahoe web site
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