Cambridge gears up to host IRONMAN Maryland

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Residents and businesses in Cambridge are gearing up for their biggest event of the year, IRONMAN Maryland.

“It’s a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a full marathon and the athletes start around seven in the morning and they have until midnight to cross the finish line. 17 hours is their time to complete 140.6 miles,” explains Race Director Gerry Boyle.

But this is more than just another race, it’s a event that draws thousands of people, athletes and their families to downtown Cambridge.

“This is our biggest weekend of the year pretty much starting Wednesday night and moving all the way into Sunday morning, it’s just non-stop,” explains Patrick Fanning, executive chef and owner of Cambridge Eateries.

That’s why it’s all hands on deck all week long leading up to race day. Tents are going up, restaurants are doubling their food and every place is fully-staffed and extending their hours.

“There’s a lot of kids that come into this area for the Ironman, so were opening our hours a little bit longer, we’re going to open later. We’re going to allow them to come in and have a good time, extra staff on hand to get ready for all the madness in here,” says Cabin Fever Owner Jessica LaPerch.

We’re told hotels rooms from Annapolis to Salisbury are all booked up and believe it or not so are locals’ homes.

Fanning says, “In my home I have three or four bedrooms rented out to people for four days. So all the racers they rent bedrooms they rent Airbnb, some people go out of town for the weekend and rent their houses out.”

It’s a big economic boost for the entire city, a much-needed one as they go into the off season. That’s why the city is making sure everyone is ready to welcome the thousands of new faces with open arms.

Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley says, “We have made a point to make sure everyone has been made aware that this is coming, so if you want to be an entrepreneur, a business owner in the city of Cambridge this is the time to present your wares or your food or your retail.”

The race starts on Saturday and for more information on how and when you can watch the athletes compete you can visit IRONMAN MD’s website.