La Quinta approves Ironman’s return to city
La Quinta city leaders voted for Ironman to return to the city on December 8.
Last year, the race brought droves of competitors to the valley, which wasn’t all that worrisome. But the accompanying traffic was. The event’s bike route required extensive road closures throughout La Quinta and Indian Wells, causing massive headaches for those attempting to travel through the cities.
The route approved for the event is route C.
“It’s very exciting to have this coming back. It’s pretty special to our community,” said Nate Mach.
He’s the founder of the Salton Sea Triathlon Club. Mach and dozens of other club members have been rallying behind the globally recognized Ironman race since it’s rocky debut in Dec. 2018.
“From both being in the neighborhood, a community member, as well as a participant, I knew it was going to be a problem,” said Lori Rudy as she remembered last year’s traffic debacle.
After several community workshops and coordinated planning with Ironman officials and partners, city council voted unanimously to host the race again.
“We’ve been working really closely with the city of Indian Wells and the city of La Quinta and all of the law enforcement agencies and traffic control groups,” said Paul Huddle, regional director for the southwest Ironman race.
In the approved race route, athletes will travel down Avenue 58, to Monroe, to Avenue 52, up jefferson and will finish on Miles.
“I believe we have a commitment and obligation to our residents to turn around what occurred and make it better and I think we’re clearly all on the same page,” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans dring Tuesday night’s meeting.
In March, La Quinta held a meeting on the prospect of the race returning to the valley, releasing a pair of proposed maps. A third map was created with local feedback and released on Tuesday.
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“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.”
