In a month that is projected to bring in more than $12 million to the local economy, the 15th Annual Ironman 70.3 on September 29 is one of the biggest events on the list. More than 6,500 visitors are expected to visit and cheer on participants with close to a $6 million estimated economic impact.
Athletes will tackle a quick 1.2-mile down-river swim in the Savannah River before biking 56 miles through rural Augusta, and wind up with the flat 13.1-mile spectator-filled run course which will take them along the North Augusta Greeneway trail. It all adds up to 70.3 miles.
More than 1,600 volunteers will be on hand to ensure the competition runs smoothly and provide the quintessential Southern hospitality. Several CSRA businesses are providing perks to both volunteers and athletes through the Augusta Sports Council’s I’M Local program. Savannah River Brewing Co., Fleet Feet, Sol Himalayan Salt Cave & Spa, The Southern Salad, and Ubora Coffee are among the businesses on board.
Ubora Coffee, located at 1128 Jones Street in Downtown Augusta, is looking forward to the Ironman event. They appreciate the local volunteers and the athletes who compete.
“It’s a great event for our community. It also works very well for us because athletes and visitors come from across the country and around the world. When they taste our coffee and like it, we can ship to them wherever they are located,” said Ubora co-owner, Phillip Weisner.
Ubora is offering 30% off for athletes and 20% off for event volunteers on all coffee and tea drinks and coffee and tea bags.
For more information on how your business can become involved with I’M Local, click here.
There is another positive impact from the event as the Ironman Foundation has awarded a total of $143,943 in grant funding to 130 non-profit organizations in the CSRA.
It’s a win for the community across the board.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
