The Ironman 70.3 Racine triathlon puts the area in the international sports spotlight this Sunday (July 16).

As many as 2,500 elite athletes from more than dozen countries will compete in a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Michigan, a 56-mile bicycle race on the scenic roads of Racine County and a 13.1-mile run along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The 2017 triathlon gets under way at 7 a.m. with a swim near North Beach, 100 Kewaunee St. The beach also serves as the transition area among events.

Spectators are invited to arrive early and show their spirit all day at North Beach and along the cycling and running courses. Look for the Real Racine “Spirit Station” in North Beach Park where volunteers will be giving away signs, thundersticks and pom pons to help you cheer on the athletes.

For Ironman 70.3 Racine triathlon course maps and more event information, click HERE.

The triathlon, which has an estimated $2.5 million local economic impact, is presented locally by Real Racine (www.realracine.com), Racine County’s designated marketing organization.

Paul Holley is retired from careers in journalism, public relations and marketing but not from life. These days, he pretty much writes about what he feels like writing. You may contact him directly at:...