Ironman Coeur d'Alene

Ironman, a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run, is arguably one of the most grueling endurance tests there is. For one weekend each June, Coeur d’Alene hosts some of the world’s toughest athletes who frequently say it features the most breathtaking course known to Ironman athletes from the nearly 40 Ironman races around the globe. The Coeur d’Alene race, held this year on Sunday, June 29, also serves as a qualifying contest for the Ironman World Championship held each fall in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Ironman contenders begin the swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene from City Beach, transition to the challenging bike and run portions along the lake, around the countryside and through town. Along the way thousands of volunteers and spectators encourage them on.

Coeur d’Alene residents have plenty to cheer about when it comes to Ironman, as the event brings thousands of visitors from around the world to shop, stay and play. With all the traffic, there are a few road closures to be aware of and it may be more difficult than usual to find a place to eat, stay or park.

Dani Zibell-Wolfe, volunteer director for Ironman Coeur d’Alene, estimates that the nearly 4,000 volunteers, most of whom are residents, operate six run aid stations and five bike aid stations throughout the 24-hour period of the race. Aid stations provide any number of things an athlete may need along the race. Hundreds of volunteers provide medical care, gear support, and administrative support for the race.

Many folks just cheer on the athletes as they splash, whiz, ramble and even walk by. Zibell-Wolfe also says that many volunteers represent area nonprofits, schools and athletic programs that receive over $55,000 from the separate Ironman Foundation.

While staging the event is a monumental task, some local athletes take advantage of the opportunity to partake in the race itself.

Tricia Mack, age 49, of Spokane Valley is hoping to compete in her first Ironman this year. Her race experience isn’t extensive but having watched others complete the course has inspired her to give it a shot.

While she isn’t sure if she’ll make the finish line, Tricia says it’s been quite a personal feat just to make it to the starting line. Tricia crashed her bike in October, breaking her pelvis in three places and the rehab has been slow with several setbacks.

“I’m still learning to respect my body and be happy for what it will give me on any given day. And take care of it when it yells,” says Tricia. “I’d really love to finish.”

Troy Nelson, age 47, of Spokane has completed eight Ironmans including several World Championships. This year he hopes to keep his personal record of finishing at the top of his age class (45-49) and earn another World Championship qualification.

Troy feels like the number of talented local athletes will push him to excel. “It will be fun to have some good friends on the course with me – it gives me more motivation.”

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