This year’s Ironman 70.3 event has crossed the finish line, but its impact on downtown Augusta businesses is still being felt.

Hours after hundreds of people stood in line for the annual event, downtown parking lots emptied. Business owners said the event provided a much-needed morning boost.

After a slower turnout at Arts in the Heart left many merchants wanting more, downtown got a rebound this weekend. Buona Caffe was one of the businesses affected. Owners said they opened early on their usual day off to catch the rush, with visitors lining up as early as 5 a.m. The shop welcomed thousands of visiting athletes while still serving regular customers.

John Curry, co-owner of Buona Caffe, said the shop doesn’t normally open at that location on weekends anymore, but did so for Ironman.