Thousands of IRONMAN visitors expected to boost Wilmington’s economy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thousands of athletes, spectators and visitors are expected to bring a boost to Wilmington’s economy as the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina triathlon gets underway at Wrightsville Beach.

The event features 3,500 athletes competing in a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run that finishes in downtown Wilmington. The influx of visitors is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants and other local businesses throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

Sami Winter, race director for IRONMAN 70.3 Wilmington, said showcasing the city and supporting local businesses were priorities in planning this year’s event.

“I want to make this North Carolina and what North Carolina’s all about,” said Winter.

The IRONMAN village, which features local vendors, was set up in downtown Wilmington, with the finish line on North Water Street about half a mile away.

“I don’t do a lot of food trucks around here on purpose; I want everyone to go eat. All the vendors in here, most of them are local,” said Winter.

With thousands of athletes joined by family members and friends, the event is expected to draw visitors to businesses across the area.

Moucine Guettabi, an economics professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, said spending by visitors can provide a significant boost to the local economy.

“That means people are going to be booking hotel rooms; that means they’re going to be making reservations at restaurants; they’re going to be going out, which means an injection of resources into the community,” said Guettabi.

Winter said she hopes this year’s event will generate an economic impact comparable to last year’s estimated contribution to the region.

“It is estimated, at least last year’s estimate was an 8 million dollar impact to the Southeastern North Carolina area, so that’s huge,” said Winter.

The event’s impact extends beyond local businesses. Tiruneh Giammarino, a Wilmington-area participant taking on his second IRONMAN, said he enjoys seeing visitors experience the community he calls home.

“It’s a huge boom; everybody comes here and visits and sees how great it is. It feels like a small town, and it really is, but it’s got a lot of people in it right now, so it’s cool to see everyone come around and see how it is,” said Giammarino.

As athletes prepare to take on the course, the event is also bringing visitors and potential customers to Southeastern North Carolina, with spending on accommodations, dining, and other local services expected to contribute to the regional economy.

The race begins at Wrightsville Beach, where competitors will complete the 1.2-mile swim before transitioning to the 56-mile bike course. Athletes will then run 13.1 miles to the finish line in downtown Wilmington.