Approximately 2,100 athletes attempted the 2021 Ironman triathlon Sunday, and with them came thousands of family, friends, and citizens in support. 

Jason Vest, a volunteer with the 140.6-mile race, has aided in seven events but never competed. While he said he probably could participate in an Ironman, Vest, a Coeur d’Alene resident, finds happiness in assisting athletes to get across the finish line. 

“I enjoy helping people fulfill their goals,” Vest said as he asked passing runners if they needed their special-needs bags filled with items like food, clothes or medicine. “They’ve been working and training all year long for this.”

Cory Justin, a visitor from Grass Valley, Calif., took a different approach to encourage Ironman runners Sunday. On the edge of McEuen Park, Justin donned a fluffy unicorn mascot head while passing out high-fives and compliments. 

“You got it, girl. Way to work, you’re racing the clock, everybody,” Justin screamed as a runner zoomed past before turning back to answer for an interview. “I’m part of a small-town club that has five people participating, and we like a family, so I’m here.”

Justin had intended to participate in the Ironman, he said, but recently hurt his knee, taking him out of the race. 

“I’m in full cheerleader mode,” he said. “People are killing it today, especially with the heat. They are rock stars.”

Up the hill behind McEuen Park, Coeur d’Alene resident Mike Crabb and his daughter Paige were attempting to keep the runners cool — by showering them with power hoses. The duo have routinely watered Ironman racers when they come to town, Crabb said, but with a high of 101 degrees, the work of their hoses was vital. A three-time Ironman himself, all in Coeur d’Alene, Crabb wanted to help the athletes be their best on race day. 

“I volunteered for the first couple Ironman when they came to town in 2004 and thought, I could do this,” he said, mid-spray of a sweaty racer. 

His motto when participating in the triathlon was short and sweet. 

“Always be in a hurry but don’t panic,” Crabb laughed. 

The Crabbs were not the only crowd members that showed their support through waterworks. Youngsters Jace and Leila Thompson, from Issaquah, Wash., pulled out the Nerf guns on Sunday, politely asking runners who circled the McEuen Park playground if they wanted a blast of cold liquid refreshment. 

“Raise your hand if you want to get sprayed,” Jace yelled. 

Many, including Alex Yager from Spokane, said yes.

“Please, spray me,” he said, hands up as a rush of Nerf-propelled water hit his chest. “Thank you so much.” 

Jared Thompson, the children’s father, said their family was at the Coeur d’Alene Ironman to watch his wife, Nicole, attempt the race. Thompson said Nicole was making good time, already nearing the end of her second of three marathon laps at 4:45 p.m.

“We’re the support team. She has been training for a year and a half because everything has been pushed back several times because of COVID,” Jared Thompson said. “We are so proud of her.”

Lewis and Elsie Walck shared that feeling of pride who traveled to see their son’s girlfriend, Hannah Levy, complete her first Ironman. A 24-year-old Pullman resident, Levy is a longtime athlete, Elsie Walck said. 

“She is a former member of the Stanford women’s row team,” she explained. “Over the years, she has done a lot of half Ironmans but never a full one, but she has been training like crazy.” 

Following her since the race kicked off at 5:30 a.m. for the 2.4-mile swimming portion, the Walcks watched as Levy pushed through 112-miles of bike riding and the final 26.2-mile track. 

“It takes a lot of endurance, a lot of dedication, and a lot of hard work,” Elsie Walch said. “She is an inspiration to us.”