When the Ironman 70.3 Northern California announced its debut at Whiskeytown Lake, Redding’s volunteers answered the call in record numbers. Within a month, volunteer captain Tiffney Ottoboni organized a team of 120 paddlers to patrol the lake on kayaks and paddleboards, ensuring swimmer safety on race day.
Community mobilization
Ottoboni, a longtime kayaker and co‑director of the Lake Redding Regatta, used a “phone tree” to recruit volunteers. The effort resulted in nearly 750 individuals signing up for the weekend, many taking multiple shifts. The volunteer capacity peaked at almost 1,500 shift slots, a level Ironman officials said they rarely see.
Most volunteers hailed from Shasta County, and many expressed pride in showing a positive side of Redding to out‑of‑town athletes. “Redding really came through,” Ottoboni said, noting how the turnout highlighted the strength of the local community.
Leadership and support
Nathan Knudsen, executive director of the Redding Trail Alliance and volunteer director for the event, coordinated team captains and overall operations. He reported that the Ironman organization ran out of shirts for volunteers because of the overwhelming response. Knudsen also oversaw a $18,000 grant from Ironman, which was awarded to 11 local nonprofits that helped staff the most demanding volunteer teams.
“Even though it was a lot of hard work on my end, it really came together because of the community, not because of me,” Knudsen said.
Volunteer stories
Volunteer captains shared personal reflections on the experience. Kate Weeger, who ran the bike penalty tent, said the event offered a different narrative for Redding, countering negative media portrayals. “It’s a great, different light to shed on Redding,” she noted.
Heidi Bradshaw, captain of the awards ceremony, described the race as an opportunity to share her beloved hometown with newcomers. “When I saw that volunteers were needed, I saw a chance to cheer our neighbors and the whole community,” she said.
Volunteers ranged from a six‑year‑old child to a 91‑year‑old man, with several mothers bringing babies along. At Aid Station 5 on the bike route, a group of nearly 30 volunteers cheered athletes, rang bells and handed out water, turning the station into a lively celebration.
Quinn Harnett, a civil engineer at PACE Engineering and captain of his workplace team, said the turnout proved Redding’s appeal to outsiders. “We wanted to prove to people from outside town that Redding is a great place to be,” he said.
Impact on athletes
Athletes interviewed after the race praised the community’s enthusiasm. Annalisa Young, captain of the bike checkout area, said the volunteer support made the event feel like a hometown celebration. “It doesn’t matter your age or fitness level; showing up and trying is what inspires us,” she explained.
The volunteer effort not only ensured a safe and smooth race but also reinforced Redding’s reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and community service. As the Ironman organization looks ahead to future events, the city’s volunteers have set a high bar for civic involvement.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
