It's official: 2017 is the final year for full Ironman in Cd'A

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce just released the following press release:

Chamber and IRONMAN Reach Contract Renegotiation through 2020

After thoughtful analysis and consideration, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, their supporting partners, and IRONMAN have agreed to amend the current contract for the mutual benefit of all. “We look forward to continuing a great relationship with IRONMAN and firmly believe this new agreement is a win-win for everyone,” stated Steve Wilson, Chamber President.

In a recent announcement, the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), which owns the IRONMAN franchise, issued the following statement:

“IRONMAN looks forward to continuing our partnership with Coeur d’Alene, ID for many years to come in hosting IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene. However, as you may have heard, 2017 will be the final year for IRONMAN 140.6 Coeur d’Alene. Based on athlete feedback related to the challenging nature of the course and the move of the event to August, 2017 will be the sunset year for IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene. Any athletes who were thinking of racing IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene at some point in the future are encouraged to register for the 2017 edition. With this being the final year for IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene we wanted to let you know in advance so that you could come back and cross the finish line one last time. It has been a marvelous 14 years, and we want to make this day a celebration of all the memories that have been made on this course.”

“Concerns voiced by their supporting partners were heard loud and clear by the Chamber, and that some changes to the current two-race agreement needed to take place. After several months of discussions, all

partners agreed that a change was in the best interest of everyone involved,” Wilson said.

The new agreement allows for all parties to continue to build on the brand equity linking Coeur d’Alene and the IRONMAN organization. Those that benefit financially from having an IRONMAN race in Coeur d’Alene will

continue to benefit; IRONMAN retains its investment in CDA, and the financial obligations of the Chamber of Commerce and its supporting partners are significantly reduced.

The new agreement is aimed at cutting down on event fatigue and will ease the strain on the recruitment and steep number of volunteers needed for multiple events. Under the agreement, interruption to businesses in the downtown core will be greatly diminished, while the intangible, healthy lifestyle and cultural benefits of the relationship to an IRONMAN are kept intact. Also, all parties will still be contributing to putting on a quality, positive event.

The CDA Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously for the new agreement, with the full support of their funding partners: the CDA Downtown Association, the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), and the Coeur d’Alene Resort. “The Coeur d’Alene Chamber is always looking for opportunities to bring new groups and events to our community. We are confident that this change will allow us to continue our relationship with IRONMAN while also creating the space needed to welcome new visitors who are ready to experience all Coeur d’Alene has to offer.

Ironman has been very responsive in listening and working with all CDA partners,” added Wilson.