A bigger field of triathletes.

A new location at Clinton State Park.

And the military will be a major theme at this year’s event.

All of these changes are in store for the second Ironman Kansas 70.3 triathlon on June 14 just west of Lawrence.

“The numbers say that obviously people came last year and enjoyed the race,” race director Ryan Robinson said. “The word has spread that Kansas is a good destination place to go and compete.”

Robinson expects the event’s registration to top 2,000 athletes — some of whom are professional triathletes — before the race. More than 1,930 athletes — representing all 50 states and 12 countries — had registered as of last week. The athletes will swim 1.2 miles in Clinton Lake, bike 56 miles in Douglas County and then run 13.1 miles.

About 1,300 athletes competed in the inaugural race in 2008, and Robinson said this year’s event will benefit after several changes.

A major one modification will be the race starting at Clinton State Park instead of on the west side of Clinton Lake at Bloomington Beach, which it did last year. The starting location is closer to Lawrence.

It also means events throughout the weekend, including on Friday and Saturday, will be at the state park instead of in Lawrence.

Another unique feature is the option to camp at Clinton State Park for the race, at Campground No. 3. About 400 people are expected to camp out the weekend of the race because hotels have been sold out for months, Robinson said.

Military theme

A prominent theme of the race weekend this year will be supporting the military.

“It fits nicely with the whole essence of this event in the Midwest,” Robinson said. “It’s the whole ‘heartland’ feel.”

Three injured members of the military are expected to compete in the triathlon through the program Operation Rebound. The program will allow triathletes to raise $1,000 to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and give them the chance to race alongside and meet the wounded troops.

A major part of this year’s race is the Armed Forces Challenge, in which about 200 active- or reserve-duty members will participate in a competition among the military branches.

“It gives us a chance to interact with the community and to show that we’re as dedicated to participating in community events and persevering in really challenging sports as we are at fighting the global war on terrorism,” said George Hodge, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and instructor at Fort Leavenworth.

Hodge will compete in the regular triathlon bracket, but he also will coach Fort Leavenworth’s team. He is also helping Robinson try to nail down other military features for the event.

Several military recruiters will be at the Ironman expo at Clinton State Park throughout the weekend.

More help needed

With an expanded field, Robinson expects more than 6,000 spectators at the race, compared with about 4,000 people in 2008.

A larger race also means Robinson needs about 400 volunteers to help along the course with such tasks as handing out water and working at aid stations.

“We’re confident that people will volunteer. Lawrence always has a good history of stepping up for these types of events,” Robinson said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can send an e-mail to volunteers@ironmankansas.com.

The event also will feature about 25 food vendors after the race alongside the expo tents.

The race’s growth has also benefited from a whole year of registration and promotion, Robinson said.

“When people came to Kansas last year, it was sight-unseen,” Robinson said. “I think they were pleasantly surprised at what they saw.”