Ironman Village abuzz with activity on eve of race
Photos: JULIA BENNETT/Press Father and son Steven and Ben Griffith check out one of the vendor stands in the Ironman Village on Saturday.
Jessica Swihart, checking-in for her first Ironman on Saturday, said she is nervous and excited about today's race. (JULIA BENNETT/Press)
A variety of information and merchant booths are available at the Ironman Village. (JULIA BENNETT/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — There’s no place like home.
Coeur d’Alene has been a favorite host city on the Ironman circuit for a long time, its website says, lauding the area as a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle.
“This rural community knows how to host athletes with simplicity and class,” the website states.
And while many travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to attend, the race is also a big draw for local residents.
Jessica Swihart, who moved here with her family from Bend, Ore., last year, will be competing in Ironman for the first time today. She’s competing in the entire race, which includes a 1.2-mile swim, nearly 60 miles on a bike, and a 13.1-mile run. She says she’s excited and nervous at the same time.
Sarah Lyn of Northern State Security and Investigation is in charge of security for Ironman Village. The lifelong Kootenai County resident credited local law enforcement and well trained volunteers for the event’s safe environment. Disturbances are rare.
“There are great volunteers and staff from Kootenai Health and the police station that are all here to help,” Lyn said.
Ironman Village offers stops and shops for athletes and fans. It’s where Ironman participants check in. It’s also home to a food truck, a place for bike repairs and shops with wetsuits, sunglasses, waterproof earbuds and every conceivable piece of clothing imprinted with the Ironman logo.
The event is family friendly. Parents Ben and Kelley Griffith of Coeur d’Alene were enjoying Ironman Village with their children Erin and Steve. Ben and Kelley are swimming in the race today. It’s the second go-round in as many years for Kelley, the executive director of clinical services at Kootenai Health. This time she was able to convince her husband to join the fun.
“How can you live in Coeur d’Alene and not ever try it?” Ben said.