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Ironman 70.3 Triathlon coming to Boise

06:46 PM MDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Edgar Linares/KTVB

Hear from the organizers

BOISE - It's half the length but just as intimidating. On June 1st, 2008 the City of Boise will host an Ironman 70.3.

The 70.3 mile race and it will put Boise on the racing map, with other cities like Monaco and Cancun – which host similar events.

Race course

The swim will be held at Lucky Peak Reservoir and athletes will then transition from swim-to-bike, also referred to as T1, at the parking lot at Barclay Bay.

The bike course will leave Barclay Bay, cross Lucky Peak Dam and head north. A challenging climb will greet athletes until approximately mile 20, where they will encounter an out-and-back section along the north side of the Lucky Peak Reservoir.

Toward the last section of the bike, athletes will enjoy a 24 mile downhill ride to Federal Way into downtown Boise. The bike-to-run transition, known as T2, will be located on Front Street and the half-marathon run course will take athletes throughout downtown and on to the Boise Greenbelt. The finish line celebration will take place in the heart of Boise’s Bodo District, on 8th Street.

The director of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau expect to generate a lot money for the Capital City. It's an event found on every continent of the world.

Bobbie Patterson Executive Director of the BCVB says this event will create millions of dollars of revenue.

"We're always thrilled when Boise becomes a destination for an event that will bring new people and new money to a community,” Patterson said.

Patterson says $3 to 4 million could be generated for the economy.

The Boise Ironman 70.3 is half the length of a complete Ironman race.

"This is the most popular distance. The distance of 70.3 is the most popular distance in the sport of Ironman," current 70.3 champion Craig Alexander said.

The event consist of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run.

Steve Meckfessel from the Ironman organization says Boise is a perfect location.

The swim portion will be held at Lucky Peak and bikers will race down Highway 21 towards the finish which will be in BoDo.

It's a world class event in Boise's backyard.

"In the month of September alone there are Ironman 70.3 races in Singapore, in Monaco, In Brazil and also in Cancun,” Meckfessel said.

In addition to the influx of out-of-towners, Idahoans are encouraged to race.

"I think Boiseans like that kind of event,” Patterson said. “I think we may see some Idahoans step up and say I think I can do that."

Ironman is not accepting registration just yet, you can register online beginning October 13th.

Only 2,000 people will be allowed to race.

Ironman directors tell us participants from all 50 states and 20 different countries are expected to show.