Athletes, spectators, and race officials had high praise for the volunteers who helped host the inaugural Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge triathlon this past weekend.

As one visitor described it to The Roanoke Times:

"As a runner, I’ve not seen such a welcoming community,” she said. “Roanoke has been amazing…All of the volunteers are extremely happy to be here and to just support. A lot of these people here have never volunteered at an event like this, and they’re very welcoming.”

You can learn more about how volunteers helped provide a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for the participants by checking out the recap from The Roanoke Times in its piece: "Volunteers fuel triathletes in Roanoke Valley's first Ironman."

Local volunteers and organizations were involved in all three stages of the race, including helping with the swim at Carvins Cove, the bicycling stage on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the running portion along the Roanoke River Greenway, as well as with support at the IRONMAN Village and in other aspects of the event.