Ironman, city sign multiyear deal

SANDUSKY — After a successful two-year run, organizers of a popular triathlon event want to stay in Sandusky for, at least, three more years. During a recent public meeting, those representing Sandusky's government, Shores & Islands Ohio and the Ironman 70.3 Ohio organization agreed on a multiyear contract extension. The new pact: • Supersedes an original agreement, set to expire after next year's Ironman, in 2024, concludes; Officials previously agreed upon a three-year deal, which included events in 2022 and 2023. • Ensures this yearly summer event returns to Erie County through 2027 • Includes options, which, if exercised, could keep the event in town through 2029 • Stipulates the city must spend $25,000 in local funds for each year it hosts this event Jason Werling, the city's recreation superintendent, called the renewed partnership a "win-win-win" for all three entities involved. "The event showcases our city on the bay to people who may have never been to Sandusky before," Werling said. "The city and area residents have embraced the event by showing up to support as volunteers, competitors and spectators on the courses cheering on the triathletes," he added. "We wanted to make Sandusky the home of the Ironman 70.3 Ohio event for many years to come." Sandusky's Ironman courses offer a unique layout not seen anywhere else where this racing series occurs. The Ironman series visits many cities, but Sandusky represents its lone stop in Ohio. For instance, the event kicks off with a 1.2-mile swim in Sandusky Bay. Participants jump into the water from a ferryboat. After emerging from the Paper District Marina, athletes transition to bikes for a 56-mile ride. The course winds its way out of Sandusky, through Erie County and nearly to Fremont. The final leg consists of a half-marathon, 13.1 miles, snaking through various neighborhoods throughout Sandusky. "Those athletes have been very positive about their experience with the event in their post-race surveys," Werling said. "The waterfront location and compact area for the swim start-finish, bike and run transition, expo on (Jackson Street) Pier and finish line on Columbus Avenue have been very popular." An extension occurred due to, among other reasons, the economic impact this event has created for Sandusky. In 2022, Ironman traffic resulted in $5.4 million by guests staying in hotels, shopping in stores and eating in restaurants. This year's figures aren't available yet, but they surely should surpass numbers from 2022, officials said. "It shines a spotlight on Sandusky," city commissioner Dennis Murray Jr. said. "And when we have all of these folks visit Sandusky, we have that many more people who say they want to come back here for a vacation or who might want to live here. That is the real long-term economic benefit of this event." Officials expect 2024 to welcome the most visitors yet for an Ironman event in Sandusky. Last year, about 1,500 people participated with another 2,500 rooting on competitors. "We look forward to even more athletes in the future," Werling said. "A recent story at triathlete.com ranked our event as the Best Ironman 70.3 and half-distance races in the U.S. in their 2024 guide. We expect a bump in registrations as a result of the story."