The inaugural Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley was a boon for the Centre County economy, according to information released Monday by the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance.
The July 2 event generated $4.4 million for the local economy, with an estimated 7,170 room nights over the course of three to four nights, the HVSEA reported.
More than $3.09 million of the economic activity was direct visitor spending and about $1.35 million was in indirect/induced benefits, or business to business spending, according to the HVSEA. The alliance derived the data from the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator, which is used by hundreds of destinations worldwide and is considered the industry standard for calculating the economic value of events.
The triathlon supported 1,680 jobs equaling 35 full-time equivalent positions, as well.
More than 2,000 athletes from 43 states and 15 countries competed in the Ironman 70.3, which is half the distance of a full Ironman. The swimming, biking and running event received an overall score of 92 out of 100 from participants, one of the highest scores for a new Ironman race.
“As a first-year host, we are very pleased that the community and participants deemed the competition a success,” HVSEA Executive Director Eric Engelbarts said in a statement. “Now we can point to the measurable direct and indirect benefits to our local economy.”
Ironman and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Centre County’s tourism promotion agency, have an initial three year-deal for the event, though representatives said they are hopeful that it will continue well beyond that.
The next Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley is scheduled for June 30, 2024.
“We are excited to welcome back thousands of athletes and their families in 2024,” Dave Christen, regional director for The Ironman Group, said in a statement. “We know our athletes are eager to come experience this unique race experience and enjoy everything that Happy Valley has to offer.”
Christen added that the Ironman Local Partner program, which promotes special business offers to athletes, their families and race volunteers, will expand in 2024.
More than 300 athletes have registered for the 2024 event since registration opened on Aug. 30.
Athlete and volunteer registration and course information is available at ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania.
