Organizers of this year’s Ironman triathlon are hoping to draw as many Tri-Citians into the event as possible, either as volunteers or through a new race event that provides a way to experience part of the triathlon’s course. 

The new Currents to Kicks event, scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Sept. 20 at Richland’s Columbia Point Marina, allows participants to swim a 1.2-mile downriver stretch and run a 2.1-mile course – both events are part of the course for the full 70.3-mile triathlon. The event is open to local swimmers, runners and athletes, as well as Ironman participants. 

The new race will take place at the same time as Party at the Point, a celebration with live music, food and vendors, aimed at showcasing all the Tri-Cities has to offer. 

“People who get involved, get inspired,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, in a statement. “And these two events create new ways for our community to be part of the energy surrounding Ironman weekend. You don’t have to race 70.3 miles on Sunday to experience what makes this weekend special.” 

Ironman takes place starting at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 20. 

Those wanting to be involved but not necessarily on the course can instead volunteer during the triathlon. Nearly 1,600 volunteers are needed throughout the entire weekend of the race, from athlete check-in and handing out water along the course to supporting race transition areas and cheering on the athletes at the finish line. 

To learn more about the Currents to Kicks event, go to: visittri-cities.com/events/signature/ironman. 

To view available volunteer positions and register, go to: ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=105015.