On May 6, more than 12,000 visitors infused an estimated $6–7 million into the area according to information gathered by the Washington County Office of Sports and Outdoor Recreation.
“It’s a major undertaking to pull off an event of this magnitude,” said Kevin Lewis, director of the St. George Area Sports Commission. “This race generates enormous excitement in the area and it’s nice to see the economic boost each year.”
The community has hosted an Ironman event for eight straight years. In that time the exposure it creates has had an impact that goes well beyond race week. Surveys show that more than 90 percent of the participants return to the area to vacation and train, bringing millions more in economic impact each year.
“The positive exposure it creates for our region is beyond measure,” said Lewis.
The 2017 race introduced two new champions, both from the United Kingdom. Alistair Brownlee held off defending St. George champion Lionel Sanders in the run to capture the Ironman 70.3 North American Pro Championship with a course-record time of 3:41:58.
On the women’s side, Ironman 70.3 World Champion Holly Lawrence won her fourth straight Ironman 70.3 start this year with a time of 4:12:07.
“I honestly don’t think I’m anywhere close to being where I can be,” she said.
The top male finisher from Washington County was Ty Neumann of St. George (5:00:22), and Amber Blair of Washington (5:40:12) was the top female in the county.
“For me this never grows old,” said Lewis. “There is so much more to it than simply racing to the finish. It’s the energy of the community, the beauty of the landscape, the diversity of the terrain, the dynamics of the weather and the inspiration of the athletes. Every aspect of the event seems to bring out the best in individuals — from its organization and operations, to its stringent demands for safety and support, it calls for excellence and the people in this community provide it. Everywhere you look you see someone engaged in a quest to conquer with a determination to do whatever it takes to succeed. The way it all comes together is fascinating.”
St. George has hosted an Ironman race every year since 2010 and is one of only six regional Ironman 70.3 Regional Championship destinations in the world. Offering a total professional prize purse of $100,000, the race awarded a total of 75 age-group qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which will take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sept. and 10. Agreements are in place to continue hosting the Ironman 70.3 North American Pro Championship in St. George through 2019.
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