VIDEO: The inaugural IRONMAN in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is now behind us and the positive feedback from racers, visitors and community members alike is pouring in.
During the race, activity focused along the course as it snaked throughout the Roanoke Valley. But behind the scenes, a group of people worked to keep athletes, spectators, volunteers and the community at large safe.
Off the course at the Roanoke City E911 center, regional officials huddled together in the unified command center with eyes on video feeds, ears on radios, and open communication flowing between all partners. Botetourt County Fire and EMS Chief Jason Ferguson was one of the leaders in the group as the event covered the most distance within his county as athletes swam in Carvins Cove and then rode their bikes up Route 11 to Buchanan, before climbing up Route 43 and riding the Blue Ridge Parkway back toward Roanoke.