Posted: July 29, 2005

Triathlon: Ironman's 70.3 Series Expands

July 29, 2005 - On the heels of an announcement just last month, the Ironman 70.3 Series is already beginning to grow its family of events. Three new races will join the Ironman 70.3 Series for a total of sixteen qualifying events for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled for November 2006 in Florida.

The three events joining the Ironman 70.3 Series are the Dannonman Triathlon in Lake Stevens, Washington; the Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon in Southeast Michigan and the Timberman Triathlon in Gilford, New Hampshire. According to Ironman 70.3 Events Director, Steve Meckfessel, these events are an exciting addition to the Ironman 70.3 schedule and offer more opportunity for athletes to qualify for a world championship.

The Dannonman Triathlon

The Dannonman Triathlon began as a sprint-distance race and is now one of only two 70.3 distance events in the state of Washington. The event takes place approximately 30 miles outside of Seattle, WA and has garnered overwhelming support from city and county officials and residents.

“On behalf of the Dannon Yogurt Company and Premier Event Management, we are excited to join the team of outstanding events selected to host an Ironman 70.3. Ironman's global reach has been expanded to include the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and we look forward to being a part of the inaugural year,” says Race Director, Bill Burke.

The Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon

The Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon, in only its third year, is regarded as one of the most successful and well-run triathlons in the Midwest. Attracting athletes primarily from Chicago, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, the event draws support from companies with headquarters in Michigan, such as Whirlpool, Pizza Hut, Gatorade and 5th/3rd Bank. The Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon offers a scenic course with the swim beginning in Lake Michigan, a bike course through rural orchards and a run along the St. Joseph River.

The Timberman Triathlon

In 2001, the first Timberman Triathlon took place in Gilford, NH with more than 950 athletes from 38 states and five countries. The event has now grown into a two-day event and received the “Best Large Triathlon in the United States” Award by USAT in 2003. Top professional athletes such as Peter Reid, Lori Bowden, Kate Major and Michael and Amanda Lovato are among past competitors. “We have worked very hard to make Timberman a world-class event and are thrilled to now give our athletes the opportunity to be part of the Ironman 70.3 Series of events,” said Race Director, Keith Jordan.

Through Ironman 70.3, athletes who complete a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run, will now have the unique opportunity to qualify for a world championship at that distance. All Ironman 70.3 events will culminate at the World Championship event in Florida scheduled for November 2006.

Source: Blair LaHaye, WTC