Businesses in Tempe could benefit from weekend ironman event

Tempe businesses could benefit from weekend ironman event

Tempe is set to host an ironman event on Oct. 17, and for businesses in the area, the event could mean good news, as thousands of spectators and competitors are set to descend on the East Valley city. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports.

TEMPE, Ariz. - More than 2,000 athletes are ready to swim, ride and run to see who's best in Tempe, as an ironman event is set to take place on Sunday, Oct. 17.

A lot of people in the town come out and support it, and just that whole experience, I'm going to try to savor it when I get my toes wet in the Town Lake," said competitor Deb Mitchum, who is from Denver.

The many competitors that are set to take part in the event, as well as the spectators that are expected to be there, means good news for businesses in the area.

Businesses, from bike repairs to boat rentals, get ready for event

Many of the competitors are coming from out of state, and had to ship or carry on their bikes in pieces, like Dan Bell.

"I usually take the bike apart and put it in a bike bag and wrap it up, so it's safe and check it like it's a normal piece of luggage," said Bell, who is from San Francisco.

Afterwards, Tom Czyk puts it together.

"People send their bikes in for pre-race assembly in the beginning," said Czyk, who is with The Bicycle Cellar. "Sometimes they get damaged in transit, so we make sure there's no damage to the bikes."

The Bicycle Cellar is one of the countless businesses that could benefit from the massive race. Another business that could benefit is Northshore Watersport Rentals. Officials with the business say people can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to watch the race from the water.

"We always have a couple of reservations ahead of time, but not normally this many, so yeah, we'll see what ends up happening, but we may be sold out by the morning," said Logan Amos.

The event on Oct. 17 is a half-triathlon. The full one returns in November, which only means more spectators and more business.