The Perfect Volunteer Experience: Ford Ironman St. George, May 1, 2010

THE EVENT
As we launch into a new year, we blast into a new era for St. George: The Ironman Era. In just five short months, on May 1, 2010, Washington County will host the Ford Ironman St. George triathlon.

“Ironman, in terms of sports brands, is one of the premier lifestyle sports brands in the world,” said Jeff Robbins, President of the Utah Sports Commission.  “For this community to have a relationship and an association with a lifestyle brand like Ironman is really pretty remarkable.”

Twenty-five hundred athletes from 48 states and 27 countries are registered for the St. George race and with them will come an entourage of family, friends, media reps, race personnel, and a whole lot of bright colored LYCRA athletic wear.

“This is certainly a red-letter day,” said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. “I think the Ironman is an opportunity to showcase this part of our great state and there is no more beautiful place in Utah than here in Utah’s Dixie.”

Two-time Ironman Champion Michael Lovato agrees. “I was given the opportunity to come to St. George and get a sneak peek of this incredible area and this new Ironman, and I got very excited right away. This is going to be one of those places that really wows people,” he said.

“Who would know?” said Paula Newby-Fraser, eight-time Ironman World Champion, and Vice President of Development for Ironman. “You’ve got the red rocks, you’ve got the lava fields, the vistas – it’s just spectacular. I don’t think people realize what exists out here, how beautiful it is. I think people are going to come here and absolutely fall in love with this area.”

“St. George is now part of an elite group of global events,” said Blair LaHaye, Communications Director for Ironman. “It really is going to garner coverage for St. George in not only the national media, but also global press as well. You’re giving these folks around the world a glimpse into what you know is so special.”

“It’s not just about the event,” said Newby-Fraser, “it’s about the lifestyle and what it represents. When you see athletes doing an Ironman, you see a lot of the right stuff. You see the values, you see the commitment, you see the endurance - you see so much of what we want to see in people. And we hope very much to become a big part of the fabric of what St. George is, and what the community represents.”

“We hope to create a festival atmosphere where the whole community gets involved,” said Lewis. “As you can imagine, the event will take an army of volunteers, but the opportunity is well worth it.”

THE NEED
Although the World Triathlon Corporation will bring in a well-seasoned staff to direct the Ironman and all activities associated with it, an event of this magnitude requires a large volunteer base in order to ensure a safe, successful experience for athletes and the community. 4,500 volunteers are needed to staff 46 different Ironman areas ranging from banquet assistance to swim spotters. Those who would like to sign-up to volunteer can do so by going to the following website link:  https://www.ironmancenter.com/volunteer/imstg. The sign-up process allows early volunteers to select opportunities that interest them most. Interested parties can also contact the local Ironman Volunteer Coordinator, Colby Neilson at volunteers.sg@ironman.com (435) 632-2454.

THE EXPERIENCE
“To be at the finish line and see competitors, especially our elderly competitors come across the line; it’s so enriching to watch. It inspires people more than you can imagine,” said Newby-Fraser. “The only thing I can say is you have to be there to understand what it does.”

 “Definitely,” said Race Director Paul Huddle. “If you can’t make any other part of this event - the swim start which is spectacular, watching the athletes ride, or watching them take on this marathon course - try to get down here to Main Street between Tabernacle and 100 South and watch that finish line between 9:00 pm and midnight, because what you will see will blow your mind.”

“You just don’t want to miss it,” said LaHaye.

The countdown is underway…Are you on board?