COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The 2017 Coeur d’Alene Ironman on Sunday will be the last full race.
The 140.6 Ironman race has been held in Coeur d’Alene since 2003. The 70.3 half-Ironman was added in 2016. Officials said the half-race will continue.
In the past, Ironman officials have reported the Coeur d’Alene Ironman was the 10th best race in the world, out of 40 events around the globe. That same survey also ranked the swim portion of the triathlon as the third best in the world.
City organizers and Ironman officials cited the cost of the race and dips in registration as to why it will no longer happen. Officials said not only did they have to pay a significant sponsorship fee to the World Triathlon Corporation, a for-profit company, but also said the street closures and locals leaving town that weekend hurt business.
Even though this is the last full race, Ironman officials said they are still in need of volunteers. The race’s volunteer director said they are specifically in need of medical professionals such as nurses and emergency medical technicians, but will accept anyone with a positive attitude that is ready to cheer on the athletes.
You can sign up to volunteer here.
