SPRINGFIELD – The Ironman Group, in collaboration with the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and city leaders, announced the arrival of the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Western Massachusetts triathlon during an Oct. 14 press conference at Riverfront Park.

The Ironman 70.3 race will consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. Athletes will start the race with a downriver swim that leads to Riverfront Park. The bike trail will travel throughout the city’s biking areas. After the biking portion concludes at the park, participants will run the remaining 13.1 miles along Riverfront Park and into the downtown streets of Springfield.

The race is expected to draw 2,500 athletes while also infusing additional economic activity in the community. The race is envisioned as the start of a new annual tradition in Springfield.

Ironman Group Regional Director Dave Christen announced the upcoming race alongside Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt and Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mary Kay Wydra.

Christen expressed excitement for the arrival of the Ironman 70.3 race in Western Massachusetts. He stressed that the area is an ideal location for a triathlon event.

“We’re always looking for really great, premium locations that we can become partners with, and Western Massachusetts is a place that we think we can be for a very long time and create a very unique experience,” said Christen.

Christen said he continues to collaborate effectively with Sarno, Reichelt, Wydra and other local leaders in making the triathlon a new staple event in Springfield.

“When we encounter communities around the country and around the world, it’s very rare when you find groups like we found here that are immediately motivated to support and get behind a project like this,” said Christen.

In her remarks, Wydra highlighted the positive impact that the Ironman race will bring to the area. She estimated that the event will infuse between $3.9 to $5 million into the local economy.

“It’s a big hit to our local economy, and we’re so grateful,” said Wydra.

Sarno championed the Ironman triathlon as a key economic driver in Springfield.

“You’re going to have about 2,500 competitors, and they bring a travel team, so when they are down here in Springfield, they are going to be spending money. That adds to economic vibrancy for the city of Springfield, especially for the downtown area,” said Sarno.

Along with helping to organize the event, Reichelt shared that he will be participating in the triathlon. The mayor said the race will benefit the region as a whole.

“It’s great to show what the brand is going to bring to the region … it’s the region that needs to survive together,” said Reichelt.

Registration for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon is open. Readers can register at https://www.ironman.com/im703-western-massachusetts.