Wanted: Ironman volunteers

COEUR d'ALENE - Michelle Haustein wants to hear from you.

And you. And you. And you.

All told, Haustein wants to hear from at least 3,500 folks willing to volunteer on June 26 for the Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

Based on history, she will.

"We have an wonderful community for that," said Haustein, volunteer director with World Triathlon Corp.

Each year, since Ironman Coeur d'Alene started in 2003, the community has earned applause and thanks for the spirit of its volunteers, who turn out by the thousands to cheer on athletes and help them reach the finish line by midnight.

They peel off wetsuits, mark numbers on legs and arms, hand out water and sports drinks at aid stations, clean up and take down, and maintain order on the course.

It's hoped they'll do the same this year. Athletes and organizers are counting on them. They've said it before and they'll say it again - Ironman could not go on without the volunteers.

"We have the most amazing community support out of any Ironman in the country," Haustein said.

She has one concern. Ironman and Hoopfest in Spokane fall on the same weekend. So, many kids and adults who would have volunteered for Ironman opt to play basketball instead, and family members go along to watch them.

With a field of about 2,500 athletes, around 3,500 volunteers are needed. Already, about 1,100 have signed up, and the coveted roles of body markers and wetsuit peelers are filled.

Haustein said she still has two openings for nonprofits that want to organize a team of volunteers for an aid station, and in exchange for their dedication and hard work, Ironman will donate money to their cause.

This year, all told, World Triathlon Corp. will give about $50,000 to Coeur d'Alene, with $10,000 to the Kroc Center, $25,000 to volunteer groups on race day, and $15,000 for allocation by the city to nonprofit youth groups.

"Ironman gives back," Haustein said.

Volunteers are also honored each year with a banquet the day after the race. They receive dinner, prizes and praise. Haustein said new this year, all volunteers who attend the banquet will receive a goody bag, and Ironman is seeking donations from businesses so it can offer bigger prizes.

"We want to take care of our volunteers," Haustein said.

Information: www.ironmancda.com