Indian Wells collaborating with La Quinta, others on Ironman future

We are hearing from Indian Wells on how another Ironman competition would affect them.
Tuesday, we heard from the city of La Quinta who is now discussing whether or not it will host another event.

Kevin Harris has lived in his Indian Wells neighborhood for the past 20 years and weathered the Ironman competition traffic earlier this year.

“It didn’t bother me, because I didn’t go that way. They were on Indian Wells, they were on Miles. I didn’t go that way,” he said.

That same traffic created issues in the neighboring La Quinta, where the council heard mixed reactions and complaints from their residents. The city of Indian Wells says it’s own impacts were limited to a stretch along Miles Avenue and shutting down part of the Indian Wells Golf Resort for runners.

“I would say that the traffic impacts weren’t as extreme as they were in La Quinta. Most of the traffic issues were along Washington,” Peter Castro, assistant to the Indian Wells city manager, said.

City officials say they got a more positive response.

“We did get a few complaints about the traffic impacts as well, but most of the residents did enjoy the event,” Castro said.

Harris says he supports the Ironman race returning with the city investing about $100,000 in the race this year.

“I think it’s good for the city, I think it’s good for the economy. I think they spend their money. They stay in places here and they enjoy it,” he said.

There is some uncertainty in the future of the event though, with a chance the city of La Quinta will say no to the triathlon.

“We hope it doesn’t come to that point. We are confident that Indian Wells, La Quinta and the Greater Palm Springs CVB can figure out a way to host the event with minimal traffic impacts to the community,” Castro said.

Harris says he’s confident a solution can be found.

“The city is pretty smart. They can put up more signs and detours and make the bikes go a different way or whatever you know?” he said.

City officials in Indian Wells encourage any residents to attend the 3 workshops in La Quinta with any input or concerns they may have.