The IRONMAN; a competition and event that has become nothing less than a household name with fitness enthusiasts across the world over the past three decades. The IRONMAN is more than just a triathlon for some of the fittest athletes on earth to hone their skills. It is also a world class family event, and spectators flock by the thousands every year (more than 15,000 last year alone). This years Lake Placid, New York event is set to bring in its typical monster crowds and eager group of competitors. And as Lake Placid resident and VP of North American Operations for IRONMAN, Jeff Edwards tells us, this event is something you are going to want to put on your bucket list.
RAL: Give me a snapshot of the Lake Placid IRONMAN – What is this event all about?
JE: The event first came to Lake Placid in 1999. At that time, it was the first full distance IRONMAN event in the continental United States. Prior to the event coming to Lake Placid, people pretty much migrated to Hawaii to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship. The vast majority of the athletes who participated prior to IRONMAN coming to New York were international. This event really opened the door for broader participation of US athletes. IRONMAN now runs 14 different events in North America (including Canada) and draws participants from all over the world. The Lake Placid event was really the gateway to bringing a race of this caliber to the United States.
RAL: What is the draw to this event like? How many racers & spectators come out to Lake Placid?
JE: Each year, we have about 2,600 participants in the race, to go along with an annual attendance of 15,000 plus. This is pretty typical for our yearly numbers, as we limit the number of racers for safety concerns, etc.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event as a spectator. What am I in for?
JE: Well it is obviously an incredibly spectator friendly village. Everything is compact and well within walking distance – shopping, dining, unique activities, . The race starts and finishes on Mirror Lake, which is literally 400 meters from the Olympic Skating Oval, which is really cool. There is so much history here behind the Olympic events that happened right here in the village. The Miracle on Ice, the Olympic Museum, all of it is right here. Folks who have their wits about them can really take in the history of the area and of the United States Olympic successes. And of course, because it is in the middle of the summer, the height of the Northeast vacation season, this is a very big family event. It is absolutely fantastic.
RAL: What makes the Lake Placid event so unique compared to the others?
JE: Lake Placid is incredible scenic.. The Adirondack Mountains are a really unique region of our country. It is a mix of private and public parks blended together, and our bike course covers the 56 mile loop across lakes, rivers and the highest peaks in the mountains. For the most part, we have great weather every year. It is never too cold, never too hot, seems to always be just right (although I don’t want to jinx it). And you can call me partial to the area because I have such fond memories of living here, but it really is just a great area for outdoor activities and exploration. I always encourage people so much to take time after the race to get out and paddle, hike, take a boat tour – the opportunities are endless.
RAL: Where do you see this particular IRONMAN going in the next 3-5 years?
JE: Our numbers of participants have been very stable for the past 10 years, based on the space that we have and the safety considerations that we have to take in, so it won’t grow any larger. It really has cemented itself as one of the iconic races in the country. So many people have this on their bucket list. If you tell someone you have completed the IRONMAN, they will know what you mean. Really, we sell out in a matter of hours every year.
RAL: What does this event mean to the Lake Placid community?
JE: We have about 4,000 volunteers that come to the event every year, and many of them make the trip just to volunteer. It is that kind of experience. All of the proceeds raised go to our IRONMAN Foundation which contributes about $50,000 into the local community every year. We have raised about $1.5 Million since the race first came here. Obviously a huge contributor to our village, and it will be here to stay for years to come.