If you didn’t have a chance to check out the first-ever Ironman Happy Valley 70.3, you missed out.
The July 2 event was, simply put, one of the most interesting events to ever take place on Penn State’s University Park campus.
Several months of planning culminated with an all-day triathlon that made its way across both Centre and Clinton counties.
For the athletes, the day began at Bald Eagle State Park with a swim shortly after daybreak. It continued with the cycling portion of the race before a run across campus. Participants finished at the 50-yard line in Beaver Stadium.
What a day it was.
If you are unfamiliar with Ironman, it is a world-class athletic event that draws competitors from all over the globe.
Want proof? Well, Ironman Happy Valley 70.3 pulled in athletes from 43 states and 15 different countries. The men’s winner was from Boulder, Colorado. The women’s winner was from nearby Malvern, Pennsylvania.
When it comes to Happy Valley and Penn State, football is everything. But Ironman could become a tradition that makes a name for itself as the years go by. The current deal is for three years. Based on how things turned out in 2023, this could become an annual event for future generations to enjoy.
On July 2, the numbers were staggering. There is no way, of course, to count those standing and cheering along the racecourse. And there is no way to count the folks strolling in and out of the Ironman Village, which set up shop next to Beaver Stadium on the Friday before Ironman.
However, there were more than 1,000 of you who volunteered. No pay, no glory. That speaks volumes. There were also thousands of people who rolled into town over the weekend simply to cheer on a friend or family member. Think about the economic impact that had on Happy Valley.
Hotels were full. Restaurants were packed. While the two arts festivals that take place in mid-July are nice shots in the arm, Ironman gives the area a nice little boost before those festivals hit town.
As I stood at the 50-yard line in Beaver Stadium and watched athletes from across the globe cross the finish line, I was in awe. Competitors ranged in age from 18 to 77. Some came across the finish line smiling ear to ear, while other collapsed, tearing up as they cramped.
Every athlete was given a medal and an Ironman “finisher” hat. A souvenir photo was snapped before they left Beaver Stadium to reunite with family and friends.
For all those involved — athletes, organizers, volunteers and spectators — it was a great day.
Here’s to many, many more.
Chris Morelli is the managing editor of The Centre County Gazette. Email him at cmorelli@centrecountygazette.com
