Thousands of athletes and tourists may be leaving Monday after taking on the Ironman Triathlon, but the economic gain still lingers.

The Ironman Triathlon finally kicked off Sunday in Roanoke after a year of hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic.

People from all over the country have come to Roanoke to compete in the inaugural Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

With the Ironman Triathlon coming up this weekend, there are some road closures and parking restrictions to keep on your radar.

Thousands of athletes will explore Roanoke this weekend thanks to the Ironman Triathlon.

ROANOKE, Va. – With the Ironman 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon delayed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced a new date and what’s coming up for this event. The inaugural triathlon, set for June 6, 2021, will include a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. Registration re-opened Wednesday, and with so many people from this year still planning to participate next year, spots are limited. “You need to be in shape to do it all," admitted Catherine Fox, vp of public affairs for Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “Or you can be part of a relay, that’s the other part.