The unrelenting growth of the Ironman brand continues. World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has officially announced that St George, Utah, will serve as the host city for its newest Ironman event beginning in 2010. Taking place on 1 May 2010, the event will consist of the Ironman 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run distances.
The inaugural Ford Ironman St George will utilise a variety of Utah’s scenery, to include Sand Hollow Reservoir, Snow Canyon and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. There will be 65 qualifying slots available to the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in addition to a professional prize purse of US$50,000 (€36,570) for distribution among the top male and female finishers.
Registration for the event is now available online at www.ironmanstgeorge.com. Athlete check-in and the Ironman St George Expo will take place at the Dixie Center, St George.
“St George is the ideal setting for our newest Ironman event,” said Steve Meckfessel, Chief Operations Officer for WTC. “The community’s experience in hosting the popular St George Marathon, the scenic landscape of surrounding Washington County and the proximity to core triathlon markets in the region will contribute to Ford Ironman St George quickly becoming one of our most popular races.”
“Ironman is the world’s premier endurance event and we think it is perfectly suited for St. George,” added Kevin Lewis, Sports & Events Director at the St George Area Convention and Tourism Office. “The determination and tenacity demonstrated by Ironman athletes resembles the fortitude of the early settlers in this area and the spirit our residents. The course highlights the striking scenery and contrasting landscapes. We are thrilled to offer athletes and fans an experience they are sure to remember.”
