Ironman to Hold Volunteer Fair for Inaugural Happy Valley Event

STATE COLLEGE — If you have some free time on your hands, the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley wants you.

The triathlon is currently looking for volunteers to help with the event, which is scheduled for July 2 in Centre and Clinton counties. A volunteer fair will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Champs Sports Bar and Grill, 1611 N. Atherton St., State College.

Race director Josh Cone talked about what those attending the event can expect.

“We’ll have several of the Ironman staff there to describe the jobs and different areas of need for the event,” Cone explained. “We’re looking for a bunch of captains to help be the ringleaders to recruit groups of people.”

According to Cone, many volunteers are needed to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.

“We’ll need people for the bike aid station, the run aid station, setup, tear down, registration, all that kind of stuff. So there’s all sorts of different roles we need to fill to make this event possible,” Cone said.

It will take an army of volunteers to get things ready. And although the event is just one day, volunteers will be needed in the week leading up to the Ironman and in the days that follow.

“Our goal right now is about 1,500 (volunteers) for the week,” Cone said.

He said that many people have already reached out about helping at the event.

“We have an early list,” Cone said.

Those early birds have come from personal connections and the Ironman’s volunteer page, he said.

Although the race is almost six months away, Cone said it’s imperative to get things rolling now.

“It is going quick. A few months ago, I took the position as race director. As I dove into the responsibilities and the things I have to work on … days are flying by,” Cone said.

Ironman has a website and a Facebook page, but Cone said word of mouth still goes a long way when it comes to getting the word out.

“It’s been like that. I will be out at a grocery store or out at a restaurant and those conversations get struck up. It’s usually when I’m wearing my Ironman hat. Those little interactions just sort of start snowballing. It’s been really exciting to see,” Cone said.

A total of 2,700 athletes are expected to take part in Ironman.

“It’s quite the challenge, but it’s exciting to think about all that energy that’s going to be here in July,” Cone said. “It’s going to be really exciting and be a great event for the community.” For more information about the Ironman or to volunteer, visit ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania.