Each September, more than 2,500 athletes and 3,500 volunteers converge in Madison for IRONMAN Wisconsin — a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, 112-mile bike ride into rural Dane County and 26.2-mile run through downtown Madison.

Athletes, volunteers and 30,000+ spectators spend more than $4 million at hotels, restaurants, retail and other venues in the region, according to Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In the 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards, the Wisconsin event ranked No. 2 for overall satisfaction, No. 3 for best race venue and No. 1 for best host experience.

— Janet Raasch