An Ironman 70.3 Raleigh triathlete traverses part of the event’s spectacular run course by the N.C. Art Museum before an amazing downtown finish to thousands of cheering spectators. More than 2,300 athletes from around the world (43 states and 15 countries) traveled to Raleigh for the race and were welcomed with our Southern hospitality, beautiful city and incredible race course. Many veteran athletes – myself included – proclaimed it the best triathlon they have experienced.
According to Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the race generated more than 5,000 hotel room nights, filled restaurants and left behind more than $2.5 million in direct spending, strengthening Raleigh’s brand as a leading national sports event destination, and one with a healthy, active lifestyle. He added that it took a full year of preparation and a superb partnership to pull off the event.
In a letter to volunteers and partners, Dupree extended thanks to the organizations that played crucial roles in making Ironman 70.3 Raleigh not only a reality, but a smashing success. They include: the city of Raleigh (and its police department), Wake County (and its sheriff’s office), the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Raleigh Sports Council, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, the town of Holly Springs (and its police department), Jordan Lake, the Chatham County sheriff’s office, the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation, Meredith College, the N.C. Museum of Art, Capitol Broadcasting Company, more than 1,700 incredible volunteers, the thousands of locals who lined our streets and roads to support the athletes, Jim Lavery (the local coordinator), and Brian Myrick of the World Triathlon Corporation, the race director who oversaw all planning and operations and did so with great expertise and professionalism.
