Ironman challenge set to bring an economic boost to Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The Ironman race is just days away from bringing fun competition to Cambridge.

Local businesses are gearing up for the visitors coming to town. “Times like this school is back in so this is a slow time for us so we could definitely use the increase in business,”
said Groove City Mini-Mart Owner, Isaac Adams.

Cambridge Mayor Steve Rideout says the race helps businesses in the immediate area and beyond. “Businesses up and down the Eastern Shore because we can’t accommodate all of the people that need to stay here so hotels, bed and breakfast up and down the shore are benefiting as well. They can rent their properties out so they can earn some money and a lot of people are doing that and have been over the years,” said Mayor Rideout.

It’s an event that Mayor Rideout says has proven to bring value to the area. “We’re really excited because we signed another contract to extend it another 5 years. The last time we had it, I think it was a $6,000,000 impact on our community, so I’m expecting it to be that or more,” said Mayor Rideout.

Cambridge business owner Isaac Adams says events like these also help change the narrative of the city, in a positive way. “It’s being looked at in a negative view from the rest of the shore because of the violence going on. So it’s a good time right now to show the other side of Cambridge the good, the good values we have in our community,” Adams explained.

With the busy season coming to an end, Adams says the Ironman will end the season the right way. “It’s actually a good way to end the summer too. We’re ending the summer with a bang and to still be able to have events to come at the end of the summer is a blessing,” said Adams.

The Ironman race is happening this weekend September 16th. If you’re still looking to get involved, you still can by volunteering on their website.