The Story of IRONMAN in La Quinta

The Story of

IRONMAN

In 2018, IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced the addition of the IRONMAN® 70.3® Indian Wells-La Quinta triathlon in Southern California. While there were traffic issues that caused La Quinta residents some headaches in its first year, there have been a number of improvements including advanced communications about the traffic plan and road closures. This year, signage began as early as mid-November to inform drivers about road closures that will happen when IRONMAN returns to La Quinta on Sunday, December 4. In addition, a system for news and alerts has been set up and can be accessed by texting ‘IWLQ’ to 888-777. A community helpline is also available by calling (760) 610-6765.

in La Quinta

Why La Quinta?

According to race director, Danial James, the IRONMAN team was interested in bringing a race to La Quinta because of the unique experience offered in this community. They began talks with Indian Wells and La Quinta, and were excited to learn that the interest was mutual. “La Quinta is an active lifestyle city that attracts top athletes in many sports,” said Linda Evans, Mayor of La Quinta. “We are thrilled to host triathletes of the IRONMAN 70.3 and share the energy of La Quinta with them.” The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon held locally begins with a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Cahuilla. The 56-mile single-loop bike course route will then take athletes on rural roads. Finally, a two-loop 13.1mile run traverses from the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens over to the Indian Wells Golf Resort. “Lake Cahuilla, through our partnership with the Coachella Valley Water District and Riverside County Parks, is often ranked as one of our more popular lake swims on the circuit,” explained James. “Additionally, the mountain vistas that our bike course provides are unparalleled, as are the streets lined with date palms. When you ride 56 miles on a bike, these inspiring views matter.” Since the race began, James added that the City of La Quinta has been an invaluable partner in producing what they consider to be one of their premier races in North America.

Benefits to the Community

While there are a few traffic inconveniences the day of the event, La Quinta does receive benefits by hosting a race of this magnitude in the community. “IRONMAN is one of more than 200 world-class events held here throughout the year,” said Joyce Kiehl, director of communications for Visit Greater Palm Springs. “These events not only help shape community identity, but also support our local restaurants and businesses.”

James adds, “We appreciate that over the years, the local community has embraced the event by continuing to show their support for athletes looking to extend their racing seasons closer to the end of the year.” Since the inception of the IRONMAN® brand in 1978, athletes have been crossing finish lines at the world’s most challenging endurance races. Beginning as a single race, IRONMAN has grown to become a global sensation with more than 230 events across 53 countries.