The first racer to cross the finish line was Canadian athlete Scott Coombs at 16 minutes and eight seconds.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For thousands of racers and their families, the wait was over: the Ironman California Triathlon returned to the Capitol City. Participants crossed the finish line all afternoon along Capitol Mall on Sunday, with cheering crowds celebrating every stride.
The event brings an estimated $15 million to the local economy yearly, while also shutting down streets and drawing thousands of spectators to nearby businesses.
The race was not easy Sunday morning. Athletes faced the cold current of the American River, taking on nearly 140 miles of swimming, biking, and running.
It’s a challenge– to say the least.
“What do I love the most… it is the challenge. It is having a goal, setting working toward something. I’m mostly a stay-at-home mom, so having something that I’m working toward on a regular basis is good,” said Katie Thorner, a participant from Washington. “It keeps me sane. If it wasn’t for Ironman, I wouldn’t… yeah, it keeps me sane.”
Racers came from across the U.S. and the world, like Denis Rapal from the Philippines.
“I prepared for a year. I joined two 70.3s in the Philippines, and the challenge here is just it’s so cold and chilly,” Rapal said. “The Philippines are such a tropical country, so there’s a lot of adjustment, but I think anything is possible.”
For former racers, the triathlon is now an opportunity to cheer.
“Ironman changed our lives,” said spectator Tom Evans of Canada. “It really shows yourself how deep you can dig no matter what age.”
Family support motivated many participants, like Ginger Freitas’ husband.
“When my husband sees me on the course or sees my friends on the course, it gives him an extra boost of energy. He always says the whole reason he’s out here doing this is for his family, for me,” said Freitas. “It’s just a huge personal challenge.”
The first racer to cross the finish line was Canadian athlete Scott Coombs at 16 minutes and eight seconds. Many road closures around downtown and the Capitol will remain in place until early Monday morning as racers continue crossing the finish line.
Watch more from ABC10: What to know ahead of the Ironman Triathlon starting Sunday