The annual Ironman 70.3 North Carolina drew 2,300 triathletes to Wilmington this year.

The Oct. 21 turnout was 250-300 more participants than in the past, race director Sami Winter said. She said that there were also nearly 2,000 volunteers helping with the race, which includes a 1.2-mile Intracoastal Waterway swim, 56-mile bike course and 13.1-mile run. 

The event brings more than 7,000 visitors to the area when also factoring in athletes’ family and guests, vendors and others, estimated the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Next year’s race is scheduled for Oct. 19.

“By hosting the Ironman 70.3 North Carolina, we are able to showcase our community, its Southern hospitality and provide a large financial impact to the area,” said Winter, a Wilmington resident who also has competed in more than 100 triathlons. “For the athletes, it is a chance to compete on a beautiful course with amazing volunteers and challenge themselves to complete this endurance journey. My favorite saying is ‘nothing could be finer than a PR in Carolina.’”