Thousands of athletes, volunteers, and supporters are gathering in Sacramento this weekend for Ironman California, the largest Ironman event in North America
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
It’s race weekend for Ironman California.
Thousands of athletes, their supporters, volunteers and more are descending on Sacramento this weekend for Ironman California, the largest Ironman event in North America, which brings millions of dollars in economic impact to the region.
“Ironman is a great event for Sacramento,” said Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento, on Monday. “The great thing about an event like this is they come in early, they acclimate to the course to the weather they bring witnesses with them to prove they’ve done an Ironman.”
Visit Sacramento estimates the event generates $16 million for the region, with average stays for the race often spanning a week or more. Testa said 30,000 hotel rooms are booked for the athletes stay.
“These are folks who train year-round for this event,” he said. “They’re coming in. They’re spending money.”
The event draws competitors from around the world, including JoRuetta Ellington, an Ironman athlete from Pennsylvania. She is participating in her first Ironman race — and visiting Sacramento for the first time.
“I am not forecasting any failure this weekend. I will cross the finish line and be an Ironman,” Ellington said.
Ellington said she’d planned to complete the race with a friend, but decided she’d still take on the course solo after her friend got injured during training and had to cancel.
“I feel I’ve grown tremendously because now I don’t question can I do it. I know for a fact that I can,” she said.
The Ironman race is a challenging test of endurance, featuring a 2.4-mile swim in the Sacramento River, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon, ending at the California State Capitol. Hundreds of volunteers are stationed along the course.
The Ironman Foundation gives grants to groups that volunteer. Ironman is still looking for volunteers for this weekend.
The race begins at 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Ironman is still seeking volunteers for those who are interested in getting involved.
This story was featured as part of our new California Tonight show. It airs Monday-Friday at 7:30 p.m. Watch on KCRA and KSBW.