Ironman 70.3 Coeur d'Alene run course tops global survey

When Cally King reached the running leg of the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene, she was weary. 

She had completed the shortened 500-meter swim in rough waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene and then the hilly 56-mile bikle ride. 

The 13.1-mile run was all that was left. 

“You’re tired, fatigued, ready to give up," King said. 

But she didn’t. 

Inspired, motivated and encouraged by volunteers and spectators along the two-loop, out-and-back course, King finished in a little over six hours. 

King loved not only the energy of the people but the uniqueness of the course: relatively flat, lake views, shady sections and through tree-lined neighborhoods with a picture-perfect finish line.

"It makes such a difference,” she said. 

Other Ironman athletes also noticed. 

The Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene run course was at the top of the list when Ironman announced Thursday the 2024 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards winners.  

The list highlights the top-scoring events in a variety of categories based on athletes’ post-event surveys from last year’s global Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races, a press release said.

The Ironman 70.3 Musselman triathlon in Geneva, N.Y., took top honors in Overall Satisfaction out of more than 120 Ironman 70.3 series events that took place globally in 2024.  

Coeur d’Alene’s run course beat out crazy beautiful competition. It was followed in the survey results by courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy, Salem, Ore., Punta del Este, Uruguay and Wilmington, N.C. 

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Woody McEvers said the honor was a tribute to the community.  

He said citizens made athletes feel welcome when Ironman held its first race in the Lake City in 2003 and have continued to do so. 

“People really stepped up for them,” he said. 

McEvers said that the run course in Coeur d’Alene was recognized from courses across the globe was “pretty cool when you think about it.” 

“Good news. I love it,” he said. 

Scott DeRue, chief executive officer for The Ironman Group, said the awards recognize hosts, communities and team members who work hard to create inspiring experiences for athletes.

“We also hope that by showcasing fan favorites these awards will inspire athletes to experience a new race in a new location, or for first timers to get into this incredible sport," he said.

About 2,000 athletes are expected to compete in Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene scheduled June 22. 

In 2023, the Coeur d'Alene City Council approved a three-year contract to keep Ironman here through 2026. According to one study, a half Ironman has an economic impact of about $12 million.

Keats McGonigal, Ironman managing director for North America, said the Coeur d’Alene run course is special due to its strong volunteer and spectator support and spectacular setting along Lake Coeur d’Alene. The finish line on Sherman Avenue, lined by cheering crowds, makes for an ideal ending.

He said people and scenery can boost athletes during what is the toughest part of their race.

King was not surprised Coeur d’Alene’s course was so well liked.  

“The Coeur d’Alene run course is an exciting one because there are spectators the entire run,” King said. There’s not a section that doesn't have somebody cheering you on.”