Organizers expect a much larger field of more than 2,000 triathletes in the Lawrence area when the Ironman 70.3 Kansas returns June 14 for a second year.

“After last year, we had a great response,” race director Ryan Robinson said. “People came in, they got to see the city. We got to correct any stereotypes they had of Kansas. It’s not flat. Lawrence is definitely not a sleepy town. Everybody came in, had a great time, and the response is showing that.”

Robinson said the triathlon — which involves a 1.2-mile swim at Clinton Lake, a 56-mile bicycle race and a 13.1-mile run — will also feature some changes this year, including most events taking place at Clinton State Park and closer to Lawrence instead of at Bloomington Beach on the lake’s west side.

Last year, at the inaugural event about 1,300 athletes competed, but Robinson said the competition has benefited from a whole year of promotion and registrations.

The Sunday race will include several days of events including a 5K and 10K race the day before to benefit Health Care Access of Lawrence.

About 55 professional Ironman competitors from across the world are expected to run as well, and Robinson said the event, with 2,000 people representing all 50 states and 11 countries, should bring an economic boost to the Lawrence economy.

The Ironman competition this year will also include a special division open only to members of the armed services.

At least five members of the military who were injured are expected to compete in the Kansas race, through a program called Operation Rebound.

The program allows triathletes competing in the race the chance to raise $1,000 to support the foundation, and also get the opportunity to race alongside and meet the wounded troops.

“They really get a boost, and it really motivates them to see how many people come out to support them, not only just cheer them on but directly take an active role in raising money,” said Nico Marcolongo, the Operation Rebound program manager for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

More information about the foundation is available at www.operationrebound.org. The race’s Web site is www.ironmankansas.com.