Ironman's return reason to party

Now that the contract between the city of Coeur d’Alene, the North Idaho Sports Commission and the company behind Ironman has been officially signed, the public is invited to celebrate Thursday at the Innovation Den, all while offering the opportunity to help Idaho Youth Ranch.

“It’s going to be a big extravaganza,” Britt Bachtel-Browning of the North Idaho Sports Commission said. “Thursday represents a really strong move for the future, a really energized move for the future.”

The new contract puts Coeur d’Alene on a once-every-three-years rotation for the full race, with 2021 marking the World Championships qualifier’s return to North Idaho. The half-Ironman will continue in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

“It satisfies all parties, addresses some of the previous issues we’ve had,” Bachtel-Browning said. “It’s a good partnership. I think the new cadence of once every three years is going to be more sustainable.”

To counteract dwindling support, the city and Ironman tried to adjust the race’s schedule in 2016, splitting the race into a half-Ironman in June and a full race in August. Those separate races proved financially unsustainable in 2017, leading to the full race’s disappearance. Its return has led to an enthusiastic outpouring of support.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the full Ironman back to Coeur d’Alene,” Coeur d’Alene City Councilmember Amy Evans said. “Having been a participant, volunteer, spectator and supporter, I can honestly say it’s one of the best-supported and spectacular events [of] our area. This is primarily due to our generous community who volunteers their time and energy to give the athletes the best race day possible.”

Thursday’s celebration will double as a clothing drive for Idaho Youth Ranch. People are encouraged to bring winter gloves, beanies, cozy blankets and hooded sweatshirts to help at-risk kids.

Bachtel-Browning said attendees can also donate to the North Idaho Sports Commission and its financial commitment to the race. Those who donate $25 or more to the commission will be placed on a list to receive preferred early registration pricing for the 2020 half-Ironman.

Matt Hanson, multiple-year winner of Ironman, will attend, as will Councilmember Evans, representatives from the Sports Commission, and local athletes of Ironmans past and present. Coeur d’Alene Bike Co. representatives will serve beverages for purchase, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. MAK Bread is also providing bruchetta. The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.