Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga success

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF-TV) More than 2,300 competitors jumped into the Tennessee River early Sunday morning trying to become the next Ironman Champion.

The Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga was a win for both Ironman organizers and Chattanooga.

The grueling course of the Ironman was expected, but one thing organizers didn’t expect was the support and excitement of the Scenic City.

"Go A.J, Go," cheered fans of one competitor.

The excited crowed was here to cheer on all the contestants in the Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga. Spectators said this event could not have been better for the city.

Chattanooga resident Armond Willis said, "I think they did a very great job hosting everyone here."

An Out-of-state spectator, Kathy Schute, went on and said, "It’s beautiful and it’s been so much fun."

People from all over the world come to compete and others came to watch and cheer. Some Chattanoogans enjoyed the cultural difference.

The amount of diversity that was here from different counties and how people really engaged themselves into the race, and I think that’s a really great thing for Chattanooga," said another Chattanooga resident Jeff Willis.

Schute’s first visit to Chattanooga will be one she remembers.

"We spent the day doing touristy stuff and then watching the Ironman, which has been an awesome site to have it at."

The large crowd did not go unnoticed by competitors.

"The fans were awesome," said the men’s Ironman Champ Matt Henson.

"You guys were so awesome out there that last mile I was hurting so bad and there was so much cheering…I just can’t believe it, this is awesome," said the women’s Ironman Champ Angela Naeth.

Organizers believe the first Ironman here in Chattanooga was a huge success, and they are even a little shocked about the turnout.

"This finish line is packed. We just packed Chickamauga with thousands of people. It’s been an unbelievable day," said Ironman Course Director Brian Myrick.

The male winner, Matt Henson, finished in just over eight hours, and the female winner, Angela Naeth, finished just under nine hours.

They were both first time Ironman champs.