Ironman Athletes Face Obstacles Getting To The Race, Not Just Across Finish Line

More than 2,100 athletes are expected at this weekend's Ironman North American Championships in Tulsa, not including family and friends. But with opportunity, comes obstacles - including a nationwide rental car shortage.

"I always tell people it’s somewhat of a victory just to get to the starting line in an Iron Man," joked Ironman athlete John Mozena.

Mozena traveled from Portland to Tulsa for the race on Sunday, May 23. However, finding a ride from the airport to his hotel room is a challenge.

"Just getting a hotel room has been tough. To get the flights here has been difficult, just to even get a car I just went to all the other car places to get a car and they're all sold out,” Mozena said. “We do have one at Budget but there's a line of about 50 people, so it's going to take two to three hours just to get a car. I guess that's why they called Ironman you have to be Iron Man in line as well.”

Andrew Pierini with the Tulsa International Airport said the airport has spoken to Uber, Lyft and other taxi services to try and get more drivers in town.

"Essentially what's happened is during the pandemic the rental cars all sold off their fleet to raise cash to survive the pandemic,” Pierini said. “Now there's a rental car shortage across the country so we're feeling that here as well.”   

Ironman athletes Gerald and Pam from Tampa booked their car months in advance: "nine months!" said Gerald.

"It’s going to be a really fun time," Pam added. 

The city said they still need more volunteers for the Ironman on May 23. If you want to sign up, click here.