Ironman set to return to Salem through 2028

About 2,500 participants swam, biked and ran through Salem for the third annual Ironman 70.3 Oregon on July 23, bringing in thousands of spectators and an estimated $10 million in economic impact.

The race is set to return to the city for the next five years.

Officials with Travel Salem said they are finalizing the contract and will continue the partnership with Ironman 70.3 Oregon.

"We look forward to welcoming Ironman staff, volunteers, athletes and spectators back next year," Anton Cobb, community relations specialist with Travel Salem, said.

Ironman 70.3 Oregon has $10M annual impact on Salem area

In announcing the event three years ago, local officials predicted it would bring an estimated $11 million in economic impact to the area.

Thousands of athletes, their families and spectators have traveled to the region for the event each of the past three years. Travel Salem estimates it has brought in about $10 million each year. A previous economic analysis found the bulk of that money came from lodging and food sales.

Thousands of local residents volunteer each year to help put on the event.

"It was such a pleasure hosting Ironman 70.3 Oregon for their third year here in Salem," Cobb said. "The weather was fantastic, local community support was wonderful, and the athletes, along with their families and friends, seemed to feel right at home."

Organizers cover costs

The race consists of a 1.2-mile downriver swim in the Willamette River, 56-mile bike ride along River Road to the Ankeny Natural Wildlife Refuge and a 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park.

The city closed portions of River Road South for the bike portion and the Peter Courtney Minto Island bridge that connects Riverfront to Minto for the running portion. Salem Police were on hand to respond to emergency calls. Social media comments about the event were mostly positive, praising the city, event organizers and volunteer efforts.

Ironman 70.3 Oregon contracts with Travel Salem for the event.

Local governments work with organizers to arrange for road closures and river use. Participants include the city, Marion County Public Works and the Oregon State Marine Board.

City officials said the city assists in processing the permit applications for the park and street use for the event.

Ironman organizers pay the regular permit price for use of the park and surrounding area and for the traffic revision of closing Front, Commercial and River Road South during the event. Officials said there are no discounts or fee waivers for their use of the park or roadways.

Salem Police and Fire also have a presence in operating a safe event, city officials said. That work and staffing are billed to the Ironman organization after the event.

Popular with visitors

Ironman 70.3 Oregon was voted the best running course and the third-best race venue in the Athletes' Choice Awards for North America. The top two race venues were Frankfort, Michigan, which includes routes along Lake Michigan, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, which includes routes along Lake Coeur D'Alene.

The 2023 Oregon race sold out for competitors. Registration for the 2024 event is opening soon.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Ironman 70.3 Oregon set to return to Salem through 2028