UNIVERSITY PARK — It’s here.
The first-ever Ironman Happy Valley 70.3 will take place on July 2 in Centre and Clinton counties. As preparations for the race head down the homestretch, race director Josh Cone said all the pieces are falling into place.
“It’s coming together well. It’s a first-year event and we’re really excited,” Cone said.
PennDOT has placed multiple signs throughout the county telling drivers to be alert for a “bike race” on July 2.
“About 30 days ago, it really started to hit me. I thought, ‘Boy it’s coming.’ The last couple of weeks, seeing those orange signs and the banners downtown go up has been something,” Cone said.
More than 1,000 volunteers have signed up for the trademark triathlon.
“That’s really incredible. I think it just shows the support of the community. A lot of people have been like, ‘Hey, what is this all about?’ A lot of people have heard of Ironman and now it’s in their back yard.”
The Ironman involves running, biking and swimming throughout the two counties.
Cone said he’s excited to show off his “backyard” on July 2.
“We get to showcase Centre and Clinton counties to people from all over the country. I think it’s an awesome opportunity to bring people to town. They’ll see how we live and how beautiful it is here. Hopefully, it entices them to keep coming back here, whether it’s for a sporting event or for Arts Fest,” Cone said.
He said he’s hopeful those participating will have a chance — before or after the race — to take in some of the scenery that surrounds the course.
“Sometimes, when you pause for a second and you take a breath, you get to look around and see the farm fields and the rolling hills. It’s just beautiful. I think central Pennsylvania is awesome and we’ll have this opportunity to show it off,” Cone said.
Cone said tri-athletes from all over the globe will descend on Centre County for the event. All 50 states will be represented at the event and competitors from nine countries will be on hand.
“There are a lot of participants from Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, but Ironman has a really strong following,” Cone said.
Ironman Happy Valley 70.3 will likely be an economic boon for the area. The race comes just before the Central PA 4th Fest and prior to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, so it will pump some life into what would normally be a quiet weekend.
“Football is an awesome part of our community, but there’s so much more to this. It’s a great place to get out to ride, to get out to run and explore the great outdoors,” Cone said.
Cone said those wanting to cheer on participants should come out and watch the event.
“The (running) course really stays on University Drive and campus. If you want to watch, park downtown and walk up to campus. I don’t want people to be worried about traffic or anything like that,” Cone said.
He compared the event to a sold-out wrestling match.
“That’s what it will be like,” he said. “You have the participants and some of their family and friends. We’re hoping for just a great day.”
He said working with Ironman has been an experience unlike any other.
“I’ve gotten to work with some really great people who put on events all over the world,” Cone said. “They are really good at what they do. It’s been something to see their wheels turn. They have put an amazing event together. I think it’s going to be a special event for the community.”
Ironman Happy Valley 70.3 will kick off at 7 a.m. on July 2. It will wrap up in the afternoon on the 50-yard line at Beaver Stadium.
For more information about Ironman Happy Valley 70.3, visit ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania.
