Ironman Lake Placid encourages community involvement

LAKE PLACID | The 26th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 20; its course is defined along roads throughout Lake Placid, Keene, Jay, Upper Jay, and Wilmington. The community is encouraged to get involved with the event, and resources are available to those impacted by the race. This annual event brings a significant number of visitors to the region, including athletes, family members, and spectators, both during and in the weeks leading up to the event, with many opportunities for local residents to become involved. Ironman Lake Placid organizers are encouraging community members to get involved with the event in several ways. More than 1,700 volunteers assist with various aspects of the race, including race transitions from swim to bike and later, from bike to run. They apply sunscreen, assist with wetsuit removal and ensure that athletes can access their personal item bags. Volunteers help to ensure that athletes have access to nourishment and liquids at aid stations along the course. They also assist with crowd movement throughout the day. As the athletes finish the event, volunteers provide snacks and drinks at the finish line. Contact Kristen Boslet at imlakeplacid@Ironmanvolunteers.com to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Again this year, event organizers will host an "Ironman Village" at the Olympic speed skating oval on Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The "Ironman Village" offers athletes, their families and community members a chance to shop for Ironman merchandise, learn about the area from local exhibitors, sample local products and meet and greet one another. This year's village will feature an enhanced lounge and more local food vendors. It provides a great opportunity to speak with athletes and wish them well ahead of the event. Ironkids is an excellent opportunity for the kids to get involved on Friday, July 18, at 2 p.m. The region's younger residents, visitors and athletes' young family members, aged 6-15 can take part in a mini-triathlon with the course specifics determined by age group. The junior group competes in a 50-yard swim, a 2-mile bike ride and a 500-yard run. The intermediate age group goes on a 150-yard swim, a 4-mile bike ride and a 1-mile run. The senior group races on a 300-yard swim, an 8-mile bike ride and a 2-mile run. Visit the Ironkids section of the Ironman website to register or learn more. Ironman Foundation offers another way for the community to benefit from the event. Through its volunteerism and community grant programs, funding is awarded to help schools, summer camps, food banks, environmental groups and similar community organizations. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism COO Mary Jane Lawrence, community organizations in the area have benefited from the generosity of Ironman Foundation. "Local organizations that have received funding from Ironman Foundation include the Ausable Freshwater Center for portable restroom placement, the Mirror Lake Watershed Association for ongoing efforts to monitor invasive species, and the North Elba Christmas fund," she said. The grant period is currently open for requests; visit the Ironman Foundation website to learn more.

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Ironman Lake Placid encourages community involvement

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