Posted: March 17, 2006

Triathlon: Morton Plant Mease Health Care To Sponsor Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3

CLEARWATER, Fla., (March 16, 2006) – Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announces a multi-year cash and in-kind agreement between Ironman and Morton Plant Mease Health Care. Morton Plant Mease Health Care will serve as the “Official Health Care Provider” for the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla. taking place this year on November 11. In addition to providing comprehensive on-site medical services at the event, Morton Plant Mease Health Care and Ironman will work together leveraging community resources to build an effective event volunteer team. Morton Plant Mease Health Care will also title sponsor the Volunteer Appreciation Party.

“As a health system dedicated to improving the health of the community, we are very excited to participate in the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3,” said, Philip K. Beauchamp, president and chief executive officer of Morton Plant Mease Health Care. “Hosting a world class event is a great opportunity for the Clearwater community and we welcome the chance to emphasize wellness and healthy lifestyles.”

“I am pleased to welcome Morton Plant Mease Health Care to the Ironman family. As the leading health care provider in our community, Morton Plant Mease shares in our commitment to wellness and we look forward to their involvement for many years to come,” said Ironman 70.3 Series Events Director, Steve Meckfessel.

About Morton Plant Mease
Nationally recognized for health care excellence, Morton Plant Mease Health Care is dedicated to providing community owned health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. Morton Plant Mease Health Care is comprised of the following not-for-profit hospitals – Morton Plant, Clearwater; Mease Dunedin, Dunedin; Mease Countryside, Safety Harbor and Morton Plant North Bay, New Port Richey.

About World Triathlon Corporation
World Triathlon Corporation, owners and organizers of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, is a Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and quality products. Launched in June of 2005, the Ironman 70.3 Series consists of 16 global events that culminate each November at the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla., one of the world's top beach destinations. Supported by local partners such as the City of Clearwater, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Florida Sports Foundation, the world championship event will host more than 1,800 domestic and international athletes. This year, more than 20,000 athletes will compete for a coveted slot at the inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. Ford Motor Company, PowerBar, Timex and Janus are among the leading companies that lend support to many of the events in the Ironman 70.3 Series. The Ironman 70.3 Series is featured in a range of media outlets to include Fox Sports, Men's Journal, St. Petersburg Times, Bright House Networks and Triathlete Magazine.

For more information on the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3, visit www.ironmanlive.com.

For more information on Morton Plant Mease, contact Beth Hardy, (phone) 727-298-6199 or (pager) 727-468-7586.

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