The People Behind the Scenes Who Made Ironman Happy Valley a Success

By Jessi Blanarik (The Centre County Gazette) July 03, 2024 — Though the athletes who competed in this year’s Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley were the stars of the show, the spotlight shown on them would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time and talents to make the event a success.

“Bringing an event like the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon to life would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers,” said Eric Engelbarts, executive director of the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance. “Their commitment is a crucial part of hosting such significant events, showcasing the power of community and collective effort.”

This year’s Ironman had over 550 volunteers, who covered a range of tasks, from registering racers to helping them transition from water to bike, and more. State Rep. Paul Takac, who has formerly competed in multiple Ironman competitions, shared with The Centre County Gazette how volunteers are the lifeblood of Ironman events.