IRONMAN Triathlon to Bring Tourism to West Sacramento
Oct 02, 2024 10:55AM ● By Annie KerrWEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - West Sacramento is about to take part in one of the biggest triathlons in the world.
Right before Halloween, on Oct. 27, the world-renowned IRONMAN triathlon, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, will take over the city. Closures for the Etenesh Zeleke Public Dock and the Riverwalk have been announced and the city is fully preparing for the massive event.
Visitors and locals alike will participate in the event, bringing thousands of visitors into West Sacramento. Visitors are sure to visit West Sacramento hotspots, such as Drake’s Barn, River Walk Park, Broderick Roadhouse and Jackrabbit Brewing.
With many visitors coming into town for the triathlon, the City of West Sacramento expects business to boom during the event weekend.
“The annual IRONMAN race brings significant benefits to the City of West Sacramento,” West Sacramento public information officer Paul Hosley said. “Beyond the influx of thousands of athletes and visitors who support our local hotels, restaurants and businesses, the event showcases our beautiful parks and trails, highlighting the natural beauty along the West Sacramento riverfront,” he added.
West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero also said the triathlon will bring many positive aspects to West Sacramento.
“The IRONMAN competition is a tremendous benefit for West Sacramento because it showcases our city on a global stage, boosts local businesses with increased tourism and promotes health, wellness and community spirit,” Guerrero said. “Hosting such a prestigious event highlights our city's capacity for large-scale events while inspiring residents to engage in active lifestyles.”
According to the city’s government affairs manager Doug Drozd, the city is anticipating nearly 3,000 participants to make their way into West Sacramento during the Oct. 27 weekend. With that many visitors coming into town, the economic and social benefit to the city will be substantial, according to officials.
West Sacramento is an idyllic place for a triathlon, as the American River was voted one of the best swimming courses in the country, according to IRONMAN officials.
Last year, IRONMAN and Visit Sacramento agreed to a five-year host venue agreement to keep the IRONMAN California triathlon in Sacramento through 2028.
“Sacramento, a city filled with restaurants, shops and a plethora of activities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this thrilling race,” the event website reads. “The flat terrain allows triathletes to unleash their full potential, with a downriver 2.4MI swim, voted one of the best swim courses in North America as voted on by athletes, a fast and flat 112MI bike through beautiful farm and wine country, and a spirited 26.2MI run lined with cheering spectators. The race culminates at an epic finish line at the California State Capitol, providing a grand and iconic backdrop for becoming an IRONMAN.”
Spectators are known to watch the race from the iconic Tower Bridge or along the run’s sidelines.
General entry to register for the race is sold out but other tiers are available at https://www.ironman.com/im-california-register.
For more information about the triathlon, visit www.ironman.com/im-california. Good luck to all racers!