Posted: November 13, 2007

Triathlon: New Orleans To Host Ironman 70.3 In 2009

NEW ORLEANS, LA – November 13, 2007 - Ironman is pleased to announce that New Orleans will play host to one of nearly 30 Ironman 70.3 events in 2009. The event takes place on Sunday, April 5th, 2009, where a course of 70.3 miles will take athletes on a scenic tour through the historic city of New Orleans. Registration for Ironman 70.3 New Orleans will open on November 13, 2007, at www.ironmanneworleans.com. A total of 50 qualifying slots to the 2009 Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, FL will be up for grabs at this event. Ironman 70.3 New Orleans becomes the only Ironman 70.3 qualifier in a five state region of the south. Consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run, the event includes a total of 70.3 miles of professional and age group athlete competition. In a city that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina just two years ago, there only appears to be promise in its future. Rebuilding efforts are fully underway and the city welcomes Ironman 70.3 with enthusiasm. "Louisiana is in the business of hosting major sporting events. From the NBA All-Star Game to the Independence Bowl to the Mardi Gras Marathon, no one does it better than Louisiana. We are extremely thrilled to be part of the Ironman 70.3 Series. The city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana are very proud to be involved with a series of such distinction in the sport of triathlon." Mitchell J. Landrieu, Lt. Governor of Louisiana said Friday. "New Orleans is certain to become a favorite destination for the Ironman community,” said Jay Cicero, President/CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. “Our unique architecture, cultural ambiance and world-class hospitality will provide an unforgettable experience for athletes. New Orleans has a long history of raising the bar for events. The 2009 - 2011 Ironman 70.3 will be no exception." New Orleans is a popular tourist destination for many and is now creating a name for itself in the world of sports. With more national and regional sporting events being held in New Orleans, Ironman 70.3 is proud be among them. To help secure the success of this event for many years to come, Ochsner Health System has signed a three-year agreement with Premier Event Management to be the title sponsor of Ironman 70.3 New Orleans. “Ochsner Health System and its Elmwood Fitness Center are leading the way in post Katrina New Orleans with an all out approach to bringing the community back. We are very proud to have Ochsner and Elmwood Fitness Center as our title sponsor for this prestigious event,” stated Race Organizer, Bill Burke. For more information on Ironman 70.3 New Orleans, check out www.ironmanneworleans.com. For more information on New Orleans, check out www.nola.com. For more information on Ironman 70.3, visit Ironman.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest