Posted: March 11, 2005

Triathlon: Ironman North America announces finalized courses for the inaugural Ironman Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz.-Organizers of the Ironman Arizona triathlon have announced the finalized courses for the inaugural event, which will take place on Saturday, April 9, 2005 in Tempe and the surrounding communities.

The inaugural Ironman Arizona Triathlon, which will take place in Tempe and will feature a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon all run in succession. More than 1,900 athletes from around the world are expected to compete in the event.

The finalized course for the 2005 event will feature a one-loop swim in the protected waters of Tempe Town lake, a three-loop bike course (with a ‘city loop’ at the end) in the city of Tempe and in the Salt River/Pima-Maricopa Indian Community located to the Northeast of the city, and a two-loop run in Tempe, half of which is on packed trails in the vicinity of Tempe Town Lake. The finish will be located on Rio Salado Parkway in downtown Tempe.

“We’ve been fortunate to have the partnership of Tempe, the Salt River/Pima/Maricopa Indian Community, and all of the related agencies who have been working together on this event,” said Ironman Arizona Race Director Paul Huddle. “First-year events are always an unknown and a unique challenge to both race organizers and the communities that host them. We look forward to a long-term relationship with all the entities involved to continue the growth and development of this event for years to come.”

The race is the first of its kind in North America due both to the spectator friendliness of the venue and the courses within the proximity to the five million residents of the metropolitan Phoenix area. Athletes should also expect fast times on this urban, downtown course.

Week-long Ironman activities will include the America West Athlete Village, which will feature vendors, booths and activities throughout race week, the East Valley Tribune Fun Run and Kids Race as well as various activities throughout the week at Tempe Beach Park. For a complete schedule of events, log onto www.ironmanarizona.com.

“Our goal is to always create a win-win situation with the communities who play host to our events,” said Ironman North America President Graham Fraser. “We need to remember that we are their guests. We are committed to working closely with them as we continue to develop the symbiotic relationship that is the trademark of Ironman events and their host venues.”

For maps and complete course descriptions and other general event information, log onto www.ironmanarizona.com.