Families prep for Ironman

Inside the Ironman Village at Coeur d’Alene City Park, the scent of support is that of Marks-a-Lot pens.

The Janus Capital Group tent is offering free sign supplies until supplies are used up. One young Ironman fan, Emily Diana, 7, was hard at work on a poster Friday, which read, “Go DaD. I Love you”.

Emily put the finishing touches on her sign, which shows a collage of smiley faces and heart balloons. She and her family flew from Phoenix to support her dad and will hit several spots along the course to show off the signs.

With two days left before the big race, fans and family were preparing, just like the athletes.

“We find it a lot of fun just as a spectator,” said Cheryl Davenport, of Detroit, who will cheer her son and daughter-in-law during the race. “People cheer for everybody because the competition seems to be from yourself” instead of the other racers.

Her son, Mat, and his wife, Juli, traveled from Boston to compete in the Ironman USA Coeur d’Alene race for their first time.

But “it’s not an easy spectator sport,” said Davenport’s husband, Barry.

Families spend most of the time waiting. Then, whoosh, their loved ones speed by, Barry Davenport said.

The Davenports have been cheering their son, Mat, for years through soccer games, lacrosse, swimming and other events along the way. This year, they’ll be following the race and watching from different vantage points along its course.

“We’re actively involved,” Barry said. “We’re actively trying to find them.”

Donna Wemple, volunteer coordinator for the race, anticipates the transition area in downtown Coeur d’Alene will be packed when competitors finish the swim and head for bikes and when they return their bikes for the run.

“That’s definitely a hot spot,” said Wemple. “Especially for families. They like to be there.”

Downtown Coeur d’Alene will be packed with volunteers and spectators during the race. Starting out, Independence Point is the best for viewing the swim, she said.

As the race progresses, spots along the course will be snapped up as fans watch from their yards or on curbsides. Bleachers have been set up between First and Second streets to watch the finish.

Coeur d’Alene City Park “is by far the best part,” said Shane Facteau, race spokesman. “It’s the central hub of all the action.”

Last year’s festival at Greyhound Park and Events Center in Post Falls won’t be repeated this year. However, a water station will be set up at the park.

The race also will be broadcast live at Ironmanlive.com. TV broadcasts include a 6:30 p.m. showing on KXLY-TV and later broadcasts on ESPN International and Outdoor Life Network.