BOISE, Idaho — From the waters, to the wheels, and all around the City of Trees, Ironman 70.3 is coming back to Boise.
The Half-Ironman distance triathlon is returning after a 10-year absence. Back in 2015, event organizers decided not to renew their venue contract in Boise.
But now, after its announced return, the triathlon is in the same city but with a decade worth of change and growth.
"We have a ton more hotels, a lot of restaurants and retail," Visit Boise Executive Director Carrie Westergard said. "There's a lot more to offer the participants, the athletes and spectators."
The city's recent growth helped Visit Boise, the tourism division of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, pitch to bring the event back next summer. A big draw was the city's landscape and amenities.
"An Ironman is a swim, bike and run. So you have to have all three elements to do that race," Visit Boise Sports Sales Director Lucas Gebhart said. "So a huge part of our package is, 'If you guys were to do an event here, here's what the course would probably look like."
Growth and new hotels also provide more rom for the 2,000-2,500 athletes expected to compete, plus friends and family - pumping millions into the city.
"We are anticipating it being about $3.5 million each year," Westergard said. "And we have a three-year contract."
A massive impact and a massive course. The event starts with a 1.2-mile swim at Lucky Peak, followed by a 56-mile bike ride that ends with a 13.1-mile Greenbelt run finishing at Julia Davis Park.
"This is just an elite event," Westergard said. "Bringing that back to Boise is significant, and it really just showcases that we are a sports destination, and will continue to be."
Registration for Ironman 70.3 Boise opens on Sept. 12. More information about the race can be found here.