Iron Girl Triathlon brings economic boost to Lake Tahoe region

The Athleta Iron Girl Triathlon at Tahoe South, Sept. 18, attracted an estimated 1,000 participants, visitors, families and fans from California, Nevada, and 14 other states, local tourism officials report.

More than half were out of town guests who stayed an average of three-nights. The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority 2010 special event survey indicated that this guest would spend an average of $300/person utilizing lodging, dining and additional amenities during a traditionally slower season, according to a news release.

Nearly 600 competitors, ranging in age from 15 to 72, gathered along the shoreline of South Shore for the second Annual Athleta Iron Girl Triathlon, to race in the event’s three disciplines: 400 meters swim, 14 kilometer bike and 5 kilometer run. Participants traveled from several of Reno/Tahoe International Airports direct flight markets and as far as Alaska, Maryland, New York and Georgia. The women’s triathlon participants increased by 15 percent from last year, the LTVA said.

“Lake Tahoe provides a beautiful event backdrop and adds a challenge with a swim in 65 degree water and the hills of the bike course, but certainly bragging rights after finishing this event,” said Judy Molnar, Vice President of Iron Girl.

“One of the coolest things about Iron Girl – one of the reasons I did it again this year, is because of the support and camaraderie these women give each other,” said Georgette Riley. “It’s so great to see so many women of all different ages and athletic abilities come together to challenge themselves and motivate others.”

Along with the bonds formed among participants came partnerships formed within the community. Feedback from last year’s event announced a common anxiety about the swim section, transition skills and equipment maintenance. The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority partnered with Lake Tahoe Community College to launch their new Community Education program and utilize Barton Health expertise on exercise and nutrition through a series of pre-race day clinics to build confidence at the highest level.

Agencies worked together to grow this year’s event. The race course was developed with support and input from Iron Girl, South Tahoe Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff, and NDOT. Cyclists were able to safely navigate from Stateline to Cave Rock and back, using the two center lanes of Hwy 50. Sgt. Rob Stepien, NHP, said he saw officers allowing left turns and u-turns in situations when it was safe, addressing the public’s main concern from the previous year.

The Iron Girl’s local sponsor, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is the organization chartered with promoting South Shore as a unique, world-class year-round resort destination and achieving a measurable impact on tourism numbers in the region for the economic benefit for the area. Efforts will continue to improve the experience for both participants in the Iron Girl and residents of South Shore.

For real time updates on events, promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TahoeSouth, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SouthShoreTahoe, YouTube: www.youtube.com/LTVA and now the Tahoe South mobile app in the App Store and Android Market. For information about Tahoe South, call 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or visit www.tahoesouth.com.