Ironman CDA seeks volunteers
SHAWN GUST/Press file photo Volunteer Jenn Peters of Post Falls hands out drinks at a bike aid station during the 2012 Ironman Coeur d’Alene.
COEUR d’ALENE — Ironman Coeur d’Alene is seeking up to 3,500 volunteers for its June 25 race.
Dani Zibell-Wolfe, volunteer director, said about 1,000 have signed on to help athletes make it through the 140.6-mile race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.
Roles are many, including check-in, on the bike or run courses, swim start, changing tents, at the finish line, registration and spectator management.
Bike aid stations on U.S. 95 and late shifts after 7 p.m. are in particular need of volunteers.
Zibell-Wolfe said volunteers are key to making the race a great experience for athletes, as well as keeping them safe throughout the day.
She said the enthusiasm of the volunteers is a reason why Ironman Coeur d’Alene was recently voted the third-best race venue in the world by athletes.
Families, groups, community organizations and individuals have volunteered in the past and are needed again this year.
Being a volunteer may appeal to “those who seek the value of giving back to the community through the healthy sport of triathlon,” Zibell-Wolfe said.
Ironman Coeur d’Alene was first held in 2003.
“Not only does Ironman boost local business while it’s in town, but the Ironman Foundation has given back hundreds of thousands of dollars to local organizations,” said a press release.
This year, it will donate $25,000 in grant funding to disperse to local organizations.
To volunteer: www.ironman.com/im-coeur-dalene