Wednesday, athletes and sponsors gathered at Prairie Street Brewing Company to celebrate the race’s early successes and prepare for the upcoming race.
“IRONMAN is actually the number one most recognized sports brand in the world. For us to land this business in Rockford is huge. We are the first city in the entire state of Illinois that has landed an IRONMAN.”
Race director Eric Atnip explains IRONMAN hosts races throughout the country, but says GoRockford has been uniquely involved in a good way offering better experiences for both participants and spectators.
“They take ownership for the event and anytime we have an event where the community takes ownership and makes it their own, it really feels like a special race,” said Atnip.
Atnip says he believes the most challenging section will be the bike course, but explains each portion offers beautiful and scenic views.
Patrick Mcintyre, a life-long Rockford resident, will be in the race. He has participated in triathlons before, but he could not be more excited IRONMAN is coming to the forest city.
“There’s part of me that says ‘It’s about time,’ but it’s really just appreciation. So many others are seeing what we’ve been seeing for so long,” said Mcintyre.
The next step for organizers is to find enough help to make IRONMAN 70.3 a successful event. GoRockford leaders say the IRONMAN will need more than 1,000 volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for a behind the scenes look into Rockford’s first IRONMAN, click here
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