Posted: July 6, 2006

Triathlon: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Closes Registration

World Triathlon Corporation, owners and organizers of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, announced today that registration has reached capacity for the 2006 Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3. The event, in its fourth year, will take place on Saturday, August 5, and will award 100 slots to the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on November 11, in Clearwater, Fla.

Event organizers officially closed registration after reaching the entry limit of 1,800 athletes. This year marks the highest race entry number in the event's history. "We have seen a 300 percent increase in participation this year. The biggest reason for this increase is our association with the Ironman 70.3 Series. We are very proud to be a part of this series, and we look forward to presenting a world-class event," said Tom Ziebart, Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 event organizer.

The event will consist of a 1.2 Mile swim, a 56 Mile bike and 13.1 Mile run. The race will begin with a swim in Lake Michigan followed by a bike that takes athletes through beautiful southwest Michigan, an area recognized for its many vineyards and orchards. The race will end with a run through the city of Benton Harbor, along the St. Joseph River.

"As the only qualifying event in the Great Lakes region, the Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 will serve a competitive and growing triathlon market. We are excited for athletes to experience this event and feel it will quickly become a favorite," said Steve Meckfessel, WTC's Ironman 70.3 events director.

For more information on the Ironman 70.3 Series, visit www.ironman.com or contact Steve Meckfessel at Steve@ironman.com. For more information on the Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3, visit www.steelheadtriathlon.com or contact Tom Ziebart at tomziebart@aol.com.

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