Volunteers wanted as Rockford prepares to host first Ironman 70.3

Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — GoRockford is looking for volunteers to help with everything from water safety to cleanup for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 this summer.

The sold-out triathlon will bring approximately 2,500 athletes and 7,500 spectators to the city on Sunday, June 22. Hundreds of volunteers are needed throughout the weekend in the lead-up to the race.

“Whether you’re an athlete or not, watching these athletes push their limits is something to experience. Most are just like you and me — they just set their minds to overcoming fear,” Chris Hankins, volunteer director for Ironman 70.3 Rockford-Illinois, said in a news release. “To watch someone celebrate conquering what seemed impossible to them is powerful. Our volunteers will have a special window on all of it. And I suspect in the weeks and months afterward, they’ll be sharing stories about how they were a part of it when IRONMAN came to Rockford.”

Volunteer options include athlete check-in, crowd control, civilian safety boats to assist lifeguards and spotters on the Rock River, swim start/finish, motorcycle transportation and aid stations.

How to volunteer

Volunteers are needed Friday, June 20 through race day on Sunday. Help is also needed creating sandbags on the Tuesday before the race.

You must be age 14 or older to volunteer. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up. Captain spots are still available for those interested in leading a group.

Go HERE if you’re interested in volunteering to see opportunities. You can register until June 8.

Urgent needs

GoRockford said there are several critical areas in need of volunteers.

• Water safety crew: Help ensure athlete safety on the swim course by providing kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard support along the Rock River.
• Lifeguards: Lifeguard volunteers will assist with water safety during the swim portion of the race.
• Transition Zone assistants: Volunteers in the transition zone will help athletes move smoothly and safely between the swim, bike, and run portions of the race.
• Cleanup crew: Volunteers will assist with keeping the Ironman venue clean, including picking up trash as needed, monitoring trash receptacles, replacing bags, and taking full bags to the dumpsters.

The course consists of a 1.2-mile swim along the Rock River from the Rock Guardians of Rockford statues to Davis Park. There’s then a 56-mile bike through Rockford and Winnebago County into Rockton. It concludes with a 13.1-mile looping run throughout downtown Rockford.

“This event will bring thousands of visitors to Rockford, and it simply cannot happen without our volunteers,” Lindsay Arellano, vice president of sales and service for GoRockford, said in a news release. “It’s an unforgettable way to get involved, meet new people, and show the world what Rockford hospitality is all about.”