UPDATED: St. George asks businesses to begin preparing for Ironman 70.3 World Championship

ST. GEORGE — The Ironman 70.3 World Championship is still one month away, but the city of St. George and the Greater Zion Tourism Office want businesses to begin preparing now.

The world-class triathlon is expected to bring 10,000 – 12,000 people to the St. George area and a potential boost of 12 to 15 million dollars to the local economy. City officials say to avoid being overwhelmed and to take advantage of the opportunity, businesses can take steps now to make sure they are ready.

On Tuesday, August 17, the Washington County commission announced some changes to the Ironman event due to COVID-19. The expected athlete attendance fell from 5,000 to 3,000 and the expected economic impact from 20 million to 15 million. Instead of separate womens’ and mens’ race days there will only be one combined race on Saturday, September 18.

The other events throughout the week all moved up by one day. The schedule of events on the website has been updated. On the bright side, the Ironman organization announced that the 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will again be held in St. George.

City and county officials agree that even though the event will be smaller-scale than initially anticipated, it will still be worthwhile to stock up and prepare your business. The Ironman combined with the Dixie Round-up Rodeo means a busy, packed weekend.

1. Be aware of championship dates and schedule

Marc Mortensen, assistant city planner for St. George, said one of the best ways businesses can prepare for the Ironman is by simply being aware of when and where events will be taking place.

Street closures begin on September 14 in St. George. Tabernacle Street from Main to 300 W. will be closed and Main Street from 100 S. to Advenire / Zions Bank entrance will be closed.

September 18, the race day, will see many more road closures. The race will impact Red Hills Parkway, Snow Canyon Parkway, Snow Canyon, SR18, Bluff Street, Diagonal Street, Skyline Drive, Main Street, and Tabernacle.

A full interactive map of the road closures can be found here.

A full schedule of the events during the week of the Ironman can be found here.

Because of the ongoing events and road closures, make sure to tailor your business’ schedule and alert your regular deliveries that the normal roads to access your business may be closed. Update your business’ websites and social media pages accordingly.

2. Prepare your business for crowds

The Ironman 70.3 will bring a large number of visitors to St. George from all over the world. Mortensen said he hopes local businesses will take the opportunity to “put [their] best foot forward.”

The Ironman is expected to bring up to 12,000 people to St. George, which is comparable to a President’s Day weekend, only these visitors will be staying for four to five days.

Mortensen said to stock up with extra inventory, especially restaurants and retail. From The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office: “don’t run out of food, coffee, wine, beer, spirits — consider items triathletes and international visitors are going to desire.” St. George specific souvenirs could also be in demand.

The Greater Zion office also said to consider adaptations to your regular hours, like opening earlier and closing later.

The city will also allow for extra signage — things like sandwich boards — to increase traffic into shops and restaurants and help with navigation (as long as the signs don’t block sidewalks). Outdoor and patio dining is also encouraged, as a way to increase the capacity of local restaurants. “If it’s possible for you to expand your operation or your services, and bring some of them outside… we would highly encourage that,” said Mortensen.

Mortensen also said it would be a good opportunity to clean up, freshen up coats of paint, and generally “make your entryway more inviting.”

3. Embrace the race

Kevin Lewis, director of tourism for the Greater Zion office, hopes that the Ironman event can become a “celebration for the entire town.”

“Even if you’re not a direct tourism business, you’re being impacted positively because of the dollars that are flowing in,” said Lewis. He said he also hopes that local businesses could use the Ironman as a team-building activity, going together to volunteer and participate.

The community is more than encouraged to participate through volunteering, attending events, spectating, and checking out the Ironman village located in town square.

The Greater Zion office said to consider making an “Ironman” special. You cannot sell Ironman branded gear, but “name a sushi roll, drink, sandwich or something IRONMAN.”

On social media, use the hashtags #IM703WC #mdotsculpture #RiseToIt #LandofEndurance #GreaterZion and tag @greaterzionutah and @cityofstgeorge.

All information can be found at ironman.greaterzion.com including road closures, event schedules, volunteer sign-up, and course maps. The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office can be reached at info@greaterzion.com and 435-634-5747.

For questions on business operations and city ordinances contact assistant city manager Marc Mortensen at marc.mortensen@sgcity.org .

The Ironman 70.3 is a triathlon race event consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run (or, half of a full Ironman). The event attracts athletes from all over the world. The World Championship is the culmination of 12 months of qualifying races held across the globe. Previous World Championships have been held in Mooloolaba, Australia; Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa; Nice, France, and more.

The 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George will likely be one of the biggest events ever held in Southern Utah. 3000 athletes are expected to compete and be accompanied by family and friends.