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Tarpon Springs, FL (February 21, 2008) – Today, Ironman announces a new title sponsor for the 70.3 World Championship event held annually in Clearwater, FL. Foster Grant, a long-standing Ironman partner, will serve as title sponsor and the event will now be referred to as the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. The event will take place on November 8, 2008 and Foster Grant will continue its support through 2009.
FGX International, the parent company for the Foster Grant brand, is a leading designer and marketer of non-prescription reading glasses, sunglasses and costume jewelry. Their portfolio of established, well-recognized brands includes Foster Grant, as well as Magnivision, Anarchy, Angel and Gargoyles. FGXI also has licenses in certain product categories from Ironman, Levi Strauss, Body Glove and C9 by Champion. Based in Smithfield, Rhode Island, FGXI has approximately 300 full-time employees. Additional offices are located in New York, Toronto, Stoke-on-Trent, England, Mexico City, Bentonville, AR and Shenzhen, China.
“Foster Grant is proud to be the title sponsor of this championship event; it is exciting to partner with an event that continues to grow in size and global reach,” said FGX International Holdings Limited CEO, Alec Taylor.
The 1.2 mile swim will be held in the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach. Following the swim, athletes will ride 56 miles through scenic areas of Pinellas County such as Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park and Largo. The two-loop run, consisting of 13.1 miles, takes athletes on a challenging, yet spectator-friendly course that incorporates a turnaround point near the transition area located at Pier 60. Athletes will finish in the heart of one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Clearwater Beach.
"With the sun shining in Clearwater nearly 360 days a year, it is natural that the maker of Ironman sunglasses title this great event," says Bill Potts, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Ironman Corporation.
Athlete Check-in and the Expo will take place at Pier 60. There will be a professional prize purse of $90,000 available in addition to $10,000 of bonuses available to athletes along the bike and run courses.
FGXI President. Jack Flynn added, “The team at Ironman has been a great partner with us and this event is sure to be an exciting one for years to come.”
For more information on the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, visit www.ironman.com
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