Organizers and athletes excited for Ironman 70.3 to return to western Mass

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Athletes are getting ready to lace their shoes up for the ultimate challenge in western Mass, as the 70.3-mile Ironman race is back in our area next month. It’s a revenue generator that’s made our local businesses millions in the process, and we got some details ahead of the big day.

Whether you’re running, swimming, or biking, it’s your chance to prove your abilities.

“So, this is Ironman 70.3 Western Mass number 3, we’re so excited. We have over 1,200 athletes already registered,” Explore Western Mass marketing vice president Michele Goldberg told us.

Ironman is back on June 8th, bringing with it several challenges. You’ve got a mile swimming in the Connecticut River to start.

[[sot - michele goldberg, vice president of marketing, explore western mass - 10;25]]

“The water quality here is better than a lot of locations that they use, and they would never put an athlete in there if it wasn’t,” Goldberg explained.

Add in 56 miles on a bike and a half marathon to finish, with one of those bikers being a local leader.

“So, State Rep. Mike Finn is going to swim, I’m going to bike, then the Mayor of Westfield mike McCabe is going to run,” West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt told us. “I’ll run a couple times a week, I swim twice a week, and then as soon as it gets warm, I get on the bike so my body has time to get used to being on a bike for three hours.”

It’s definitely a battle of endurance, but who says you can’t find some joy in it?

“My volunteer director is a local girl, and she is going all out with all my aid stations to have themes at these aid stations making it exciting for the athletes,” race director Roland Nel claimed.

Athletes will get a tour of the area while they compete. They’ll make their way through West Springfield to Westfield, and Southwick to Granville.

“All those cities are included in for me, just one of the most inspiring, fun, courses I’ve actually seen personally in a long time,” Nel added.

Of course, there’s something for those who participate, but the sidelines are set to be be fun too.

“Get out along the course and cheer these athletes on. Especially Longhill Street, we know Longhill Street is tough when you’re a runner. So, we want to get as many people out there as possible, we’re working on some fun music options to push these athletes up that hill,” Goldberg shared.

If you think you have what it takes to do a mile in the Connecticut River, then 56 miles biking, then do another half-marathon running on your feet, you still have time to register.