Vernon city staff say the city could host the Ironman Canada race, but the costs of putting it on are a concern. In a report to council to be debated at Monday morning's committee of the whole meeting, Community Development Manager Kim Flick and Tourism Manager Michelle Jefferson say the race organizers (World Triathlon Corp.) are seeking a five year commitment, with interested cities to submit a bid by September 24th. The report says it could cost the city between $300,000 and $400,000 each year for policing and municipal services. "(This figure) has been proposed by various long time participants in Ironman with the higher figure for the first year due to purchase of equipment necessary to operate the race," states the report. Staff say members of the city's economic development and tourism committees are generally in favour of pursuing the bid due to the high profile and economic benefits, but they do have some concerns about the potential costs to host it. The event would bring 2,500 athletes to town for up to five days, injecting between 8 and 10 million dollars into the economy, based on what happened when the event was held in Penticton. "They are usually accompanied by three to four family members and/or friends. The average age of competitors is 39 and 65% have children. Average household income for athletes is $174,000. 92% of the athletes have a college degree or higher." The report says the city has the required facilities, including Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake for the start-finish and transition area. "Using Kal Beach (in Coldstream) would require the parking lot be paved as a transition area." Also required is a check in centre for more than 2,000 athletes to register over three days, an Ironman Village with exhibitor booths, a media centre, a banquet facility for about 2,000 (Wesbild Centre can host up to 2,300), hospitality space for up to 300 VIP's and temporary storage of 5,000 square feet near the race site. A minimum of 2,500 volunteers would be needed, under the direction of 30 team captains. "In Penticton there were closer to 4,500. Vernon has a strong volunteer sector but would also need to draw from other communities and the Ironman community," staff say. The winning bid will be announced October 13th at the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii, with Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna and Kamloops also interested. Ironman features a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42 km run. Penticton hosted it for 30 years--on the last Sunday in August--but will change to the Challenge Family of triathlons in 2013, saying it's a better deal for the city. There are more than 50 Ironman events hosted on six continents.-------
Don Quixote Note : Links on Ironman Decision other Cities:
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