News Summary
The Augusta Sports Council is seeking over 1,000 volunteers to support the Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon. This event symbolizes community resilience following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Volunteer roles range from finish line support to event setup, with shifts available to accommodate varying schedules. The triathlon, marking its 15th anniversary, features new courses and is set to boost local community spirit and support initiatives. Interested individuals can sign up through the Ironman website.
Augusta – The Augusta Sports Council is gearing up for the Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon scheduled for September 28, 2025, and is calling for more than 1,000 volunteers to help make the event a success. This significant occasion not only showcases athletic prowess but also marks the community’s recovery efforts from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which led to widespread destruction and at least 248 fatalities.
Volunteers will have a variety of roles to choose from, including finish line support, lifeguarding, manning kayaks, aiding at aid stations, managing the swim start, providing moto support, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and serving as course marshals. The Augusta Sports Council encourages participation from civic, church, school, and sports groups, as well as individual volunteers.
Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up at the official Ironman website and can reach out with questions to Sankeerth Kanumuri via email at im70.3augusta@ironmanvolunteers.com. Volunteers can choose shifts ranging from as little as two hours to the entire race day to accommodate various schedules.
The Ironman Foundation has announced it will award $20,000 in grant funding to nonprofits that incorporate a volunteerism component this year, continuing its commitment to community support. Over the years, the foundation has distributed a total of $237,000 in grant funding to more than 170 nonprofits in the Augusta region, reinforcing the impact of volunteer efforts on local initiatives.
The triathlon event holds special significance as it’s seen as a rallying point for the Augusta community following last year’s cancellation due to the hurricane. Race Director Troy Fitzgerald pointed out that the safety of locals and athletes was a primary concern leading to the decision to cancel the previous race. Due to the volunteers’ dedication during recovery efforts, the community is embracing the return of the triathlon with enthusiasm and the potential for a financial boost.
For its 15th anniversary, the Ironman 70.3 Augusta is set to introduce a new swim course in the Savannah River, alongside a scenic 56-mile bike route through rural Augusta and an updated running course along the North Augusta Greeneway Trail. Participants can anticipate a thrilling experience highlighted by a fast swim downstream in the Savannah River, which showcases some of Augusta’s most iconic areas.
The community’s support will be apparent, with Saint Paul’s Church hosting a TriAugusta Spaghetti Dinner for athletes and their families the evening before the race. Additionally, complimentary snacks and coffee will be available on race day, ensuring that athletes are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.
New adjustments to the race courses, including more prominent use of the riverwalk, will enhance the experience for participants while maintaining familiarity with previous routes. Moving the swim start to SRP Park and implementing various other updates aims to deliver a memorable event for both athletes and spectators alike.
Heather O’Brien, the Volunteer Director, underscored the rewarding nature of supporting athletes during this prestigious event, emphasizing the community spirit and the joy that volunteering can bring. After the race, volunteer groups made up of at least 20 individuals will also be eligible to apply for additional grants from the Ironman Foundation, furthering the cycle of support for the community.
The Augusta Sports Council’s call for volunteers serves not only to facilitate a successful triathlon but also embodies a larger narrative of resilience and recovery, showcasing the collective spirit of the Augusta community as they prepare to welcome athletes back for this renowned event.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Volunteers sought for Ironman Triathlon Augusta
- Google Search: Ironman Triathlon Augusta
- The Augusta Press: Volunteers needed for Ironman Triathlon
- Wikipedia: Ironman
- Augusta Chronicle: Ironman 70.3 at Augusta course changes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Triathlon
- Ironman: Georgia Strong Ironman 70.3 Augusta
- Google News: Ironman 70.3 Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
