Posted: January 28, 2004

Triathlon: The Grand Columbian Iron/Half Iron race creates unique award categories for “Iron Partnerships”

Today Jonathan Hoskins, Race Director for the Grand Columbian Triathlon, announced the creation of a new unique award category in ultra distance racing -- the “Iron Partnership”. The awards are for those married couples who race at The Grand Columbian Triathlon (September 18th, 2004 at Grand Coulee Dam Washington) where one partner completes a half-iron distance and the other the full iron distance, or both partners complete the full iron distance. These awards are intended to celebrate the close bonds created between partners who rise to the ultra distance challenge. Tongue in cheek, the awards are likely to be referred to as the “Til Death Do Us Part” awards.

The two overall winners will be the married couples who either have the fastest combined times of a half and full iron distance races or both full iron distance. In keeping with the native American support for the eastern Washington event, the winners will be awarded exquisite native American made Pendleton wool blankets as well as unique trophies. In addition, any married couple simply completing the half/full iron or full iron/full iron combination will receive a bottle of Washington Champagne (subject to local regulations) for the accomplishment.

The idea arose when reviewing the early entries and the race schedule. An early entering couple had signed up -- one for the half and one for the full. Upon reflection it became apparent that the schedule and course lends itself to a great ‘partnership’ day. The full-iron distance race begins at 7:00 AM September 18th, 2004. The half-iron race begins 2.5 hours later. This gives the shorter distance racer a chance to see their partner off and then prepare for their own race. They will likely see each other on the bike course but certainly on the out-and back run course. Unless the half iron person is slower than 7 hours and the full iron faster than 9:30, the half should be able to see the full-iron participant cross the finish line.

Participants who wish to be consider for the Iron Partnership award will identify themselves when the pick up their packets at race registration before the race.

The race website is at: www.thegrandcolumbian.com.