Thousands of triathletes will come to Lake Placid once again, after more than 20 years of Ironman, but it could be the competition’s last year in the community. As of early Wednesday afternoon, Ironman tents are already set up at the Lake Placid Horseshow grounds, as organizers prepare for the busy weekend ahead. “Race day is so inspiring, not only to me, but to a lot of community members,” said Greg Borzilleri, race director. “To see people do what they do out there and cross that finish line at midnight, and struggle and persevere.”Lake Placid is considered one of the most iconic and challenging courses. The competition brings in thousands of athletes, visitors and volunteers to the area, plus an estimated millions of dollars in economic impact, according to the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). “They’re coming from across the globe and across the United States,” Borzilleri said. Lake Placid Pub & Brewery already has a tent set up outside. “We run a great barbecue out here all day and night and so to us it’s one of the biggest days of the year,” said Josh Spanburgh, general manager. Spanburgh said they prepare staff, food and even a special beer for the event that they say benefits them all year round. “It brings people here right around the event for a long time, but then people that enjoy coming to visit lake placid, they always come back again, and we hope they do,” he said. “It’s part of the sports brand of this region, and this is one of the events that has some global reach,” said Jim McKenna, president and CEO of ROOST. But, its inspiration and visitation have turned into frustration for some. McKenna said last year’s pandemic cancellation felt like somewhat of a “relief” to many. “An event like this coming on a regular basis where there’s road closures and everything else, you know, some people don’t think it’s the best thing long term, and that’s what we’re trying to figure out right at this time,” he said. Ironman’s multi-year contract is up with ROOST, the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba this year. After a recent call for community feedback, Jim McKenna is hoping to get a committee together of people who think the triathlon’s served its life in Lake Placid, and those who think it should stay. “The success of tourism today is not necessarily about marketing for tourism, it’s about having a community engagement and making sure what you do is with the community brand as well,” he said. Whether or not they will renew with Ironman, McKenna said they will know within the next month.
Thousands of triathletes will come to Lake Placid once again, after more than 20 years of Ironman, but it could be the competition’s last year in the community.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Ironman tents are already set up at the Lake Placid Horseshow grounds, as organizers prepare for the busy weekend ahead.
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“Race day is so inspiring, not only to me, but to a lot of community members,” said Greg Borzilleri, race director. “To see people do what they do out there and cross that finish line at midnight, and struggle and persevere.”
Lake Placid is considered one of the most iconic and challenging courses. The competition brings in thousands of athletes, visitors and volunteers to the area, plus an estimated millions of dollars in economic impact, according to the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST).
“They’re coming from across the globe and across the United States,” Borzilleri said.
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery already has a tent set up outside.
“We run a great barbecue out here all day and night and so to us it’s one of the biggest days of the year,” said Josh Spanburgh, general manager.
Spanburgh said they prepare staff, food and even a special beer for the event that they say benefits them all year round.
“It brings people here right around the event for a long time, but then people that enjoy coming to visit lake placid, they always come back again, and we hope they do,” he said.
“It’s part of the sports brand of this region, and this is one of the events that has some global reach,” said Jim McKenna, president and CEO of ROOST.
But, its inspiration and visitation have turned into frustration for some. McKenna said last year’s pandemic cancellation felt like somewhat of a “relief” to many.
“An event like this coming on a regular basis where there’s road closures and everything else, you know, some people don’t think it’s the best thing long term, and that’s what we’re trying to figure out right at this time,” he said.
Ironman’s multi-year contract is up with ROOST, the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba this year. After a recent call for community feedback, Jim McKenna is hoping to get a committee together of people who think the triathlon’s served its life in Lake Placid, and those who think it should stay.
“The success of tourism today is not necessarily about marketing for tourism, it’s about having a community engagement and making sure what you do is with the community brand as well,” he said.
Whether or not they will renew with Ironman, McKenna said they will know within the next month.
