Proposed 2019 La Quinta Ironman maps released

On March 19, the city of La Quinta will make the final decision whether or not they will allow Ironman to return to in 2019.

Tuesday night, the city held a meeting about the prospect of the Ironman’s return and released two possible maps for a possible event this year.

“We have to look at making sure there is safe access for athletes,” said Chris Escobedo, La Quinta’s community resource director. “But as well, [sic] as there’s not major detours for the public. So all of those options are being evaluated, but most importantly the two routes that we have in mind, we want to get the community’s input on those.”

The 2018 La Quinta Ironman, held in December, became a major point of contention locally after the race route caused major traffic troubles along its path.

At a city council meeting after the race, residential reaction was mixed. For business, some locals vocalized their frustration.

“I lost $21,000 that day,” said Derek, a local business owner.

Other residents expressed concern about the traffic.

“I’m in PGA West and for those of us in there, we were landlocked, we could not get out,” said Bonnie C, who raised concerns over traffic issues.

The city announced they will be holding a series of workshops, scheduled for March 7, 11, and 12 to get public input before committing to host the triathlon in December.

“We have to look at making sure there’s safe access for athletes and not major detours for our public, but more importantly, the two routes that we have in mind we want to get the communities input on them,” said Chris Escobedo, community resources director for the city.

Route A starts at Miles and goes down Jefferson. Route B also starts at Miles but continues on Dune Palms and 48th before hitting Jefferson.

“At the first community workshop, not Thursday, then routes will be displayed so that the public can see first hand and up close and then we can get into a dialogue with them as to what those routes mean,” Escobedo said.

One man who was impacted by the congested roads last year says he’s challenging the council to roll out a more efficient plan this year.

According to staff, there have not been any commitments with Ironman to hold the event. The city council will make a final decision on March 19.