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ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- St. George area businesses have already begun preparations for a May Ironman Triathlon that officials say could generate up to $10 million for the local economy.
Some 2,500 participants have registered for the event -- a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon. More than 5,000 hotel room nights have already been reserved.
Organizers anticipate the event will draw an estimated 10,000 visitors and 30,000 spectators.
The St. George Convention and Tourism office spent $100,000 for a rights fee to host the event. The funds were drawn from tourism taxes and the state sports commission.
Tourism office sports, events and adventure director Kevin Lewis says triathletes tend to stay about a week in the race city.
He says organizers hope to recruit about 4,000 event volunteers.
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Information from: The Spectrum
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
