SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For another year, the Ironman Triathlon California took over the capital city. More than 3,000 elite athletes swam, biked and ran across the region.
The 2.4-mile swim started in the American River and ended at Sutter Health Park. The ultra-athletes then completed the 112-mile bike course and finished by running 26.2 miles.
“The swim was beautiful, the bike was awesome, and then the run happened,” said Thamsanqa Gumpo, who has competed in Ironman on four continents.
Gumpo says this was the first time he competed in the U.S. He adds he was prepared for anything, but the rain took the challenge of a 140.6-mile race to another level.
“We ran more than half in the rain, so it was swim, bike, run, swim,” said Gumpo, while laughing. “After the bike, I was like, ‘Wow,’ this is a perfect day. Maybe I jinxed it.”
The rainstorm made things difficult, but it did not put an end to the Ironman race, which saw more than 3,000 athletes start early and put their bodies to the test.
“It is really awesome seeing everyone push themselves. It is really inspiring,” said Elena Chain, who attended the race supporting her friend.
“This is the epitome of athletic achievement,” said a friend who is part of a running club and there to support a friend.
That club is called the ‘Marina Run Club’ and it is based in San Francisco. More than a dozen friends came to support Christopher Maloney.
“It was worth coming here and seeing our friend despite all those challenges,” said one friend.
As the athletes accomplish new feats, the City of Sacramento is enjoying the attention Ironman is bringing as tourism officials say about $15 million was poured into the local economy.
Local businesses tell ABC10, the past few days have been busier, but the wet weather on Sunday has kept people away.
The Ironman triathlon and Visit Sacramento have partnered together to extend hosting the event in the city until 2028.
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