CdA race moves north to relief of Post Falls

Post Falls officials say they’re relieved the city won’t be bearing the costs of co-hosting the Ironman competition this year.

“It costs about $20,000 just to handle Ironman,” explained Eric Keck, city administrator. “It’s a pretty pricey deal.”

For the past four years, Ironman’s 112-mile bike course swept through Post Falls. Cyclists raced over about 300 feet of covered railroad tracks, crossed over Seltice Way and looped the former Greyhound dog track twice.

The city billed Ironman – a for-profit enterprise – for about half of the costs it incurred for the privilege.

“We charged from day one, and they complained from day one,” said Mayor Clay Larkin.

And the money barely covered the expense to pay for security, traffic control and other costs associated with the event.

Police Chief Cliff Hayes said Ironman was a real burden for his department.

“I don’t think the city should be making any donations to any out-of-state for-profit company,” Hayes said.

On Sunday, the 2007 Coeur d’Alene Ironman will funnel cyclists north to Hayden and Dalton Gardens.

Hayden had long lobbied for the event and has shifted this year’s annual Hayden Days festival to coincide with the competition.

Because the region is home to a limited number of motels and restaurants, Post Falls expects to reap financial benefits from this year’s race, which draws some 2,000 participants and 30,000 spectators.

“So many people come for this event and there aren’t enough services in Coeur d’Alene or Hayden to handle them all. Some people are going to spill over into Post Falls. There will be a lot of people coming into town who’ll patronize our businesses. I think that’ll still be huge,” Keck said.