Skip to main content

West Sacramento News-Ledger

Ironman Shuts Down Dock

Sep 12, 2024 01:34PM ● By Angela Underwood

Top athletes are about to descend here for the Ironman California; the notable race includes swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running a full marathon of 26.2 miles. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento


WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Athlete John Collins's 1978 quote about the Ironman competition in Sports Illustrated encapsulates the event's spirit.

“Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!”

That is what top athletes are about to say here at the end of October, making officials close down Etenesh Zeleke Public Dock and the Riverwalk for the famous event.

Kaiser Permanente sponsors the Ironman California, part of the Vinfast Ironman North America Series.

The closure addresses debris removal, safety inspections and cleaning prior to the event, according to West Sacramento public information officer Paul Hosley. Absolutely no vessel usage is allowed, Hosley said, unless city authorized, and it will be subject to citation and removal at the owner's expense.

Regardless of major athletic events, dock maintenance takes place annually, ensuring safe use and access.

“While some maintenance and debris removal can be done on a regular annual schedule, much of our maintenance work on waterfront facilities and their schedules are dictated by weather patterns, river levels and event needs,” Hosley said.

Event needs are significant for the athletes who have extensively trained for the Ironman. The name of the competition alone reveals the intensity of the training that starts long before the starting line.

New and experienced athletes are encouraged to match with a coach, go to pool school and attend TriDot training, a program promising “better results in less training time with fewer injuries,” according to the Ironman website. That is why every mile of the Ironman matters, creating nearly two months of inspection.


The Riverwalk and local dock must be cleaned and inspected for safety and access for the upcoming Ironman event on Oct. 27. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento


“With an event as large as the upcoming Ironman Race, more maintenance detail is required to ensure the safety of all race participants, event staff and anyone else involved with the event,” Hosley said.

Although some dock cleaning and minor repairs occur without closing the dock and associated facilities, "work performed over the next month require additional clearances and access points that would not be possible with public vessels or pedestrian traffic present," according to the public information officer.

“While we anticipate the closure to last only through the Ironman Race, the posted closure dates are listed 'until further notice,' due to possible unforeseen circumstances or maintenance needs,” Hosley said, adding removal of debris caught in the dock's debris deflector will also occur.