IRONMAN triathlon returns to Muncie Oct. 1

David Penticuff, Muncie Star Press
·2 min read

MUNCIE, Ind. −Next Saturday, Oc. 1, Muncie will again host hundreds of athletes for the IRONMAN triathlon.

Athletes will swim 1.2 miles in Prairie Creek Reservoir, bike 56 miles through Delaware and Henry counties, and end with a 13.1 mile run. The endurance challenge can take up to 8.5 hours to finish.

Hundreds of athletes compete in IRONMAN Indiana and IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie at Prairie Creek Reservoir Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.
Hundreds of athletes compete in IRONMAN Indiana and IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie at Prairie Creek Reservoir Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.

Last year, Muncie was one of eight sites worldwide to host a 70.3 and the double-distance, 140.6 mile race on the same day. Mayor Dan Ridenour, who completed the full 70.3-mile triathlon himself, said the event delivered a $4 million economic impact that weekend, with local hotels, restaurants and other vendors crowded with customers.

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This year the city administration will be entering a relay team, comprised of special projects manager Dustin Clark for the swim, City controller Craig Wright on the bike, and Mayor Ridenour finishing with the run. Ridenour completed the full 70.3 mile race in 2021.

According to a press release from City Hall, younger people can get involved with an IRONKIDS event on Friday, Sept. 30. Children ages 1-17 can participate in an 80-foot Toddler trot for 1-3 year olds, a half-mile run for ages 3-8 years, or a 1-mile, non-competitive race for ages 5-17 years.

One parent or guardian can accompany each child, and all participating children will receive a race bib, bag and medal. Parents can register children at https://www.active.com/muncie-in/running/distance-running-races/ironkids-indiana-fun-run-2022?int=72-3-A1.

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Community members interested in volunteering can register at https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=59664. Volunteers will have the opportunity to cheer athletes on through the course, help at aid stations and other activities throughout the day.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie hosts IRONMAN triathlon Oct. 1 with special events for kids