The latest release from Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) can be viewed in one of two ways: a seizing on an opportunity to sign-up triathletes or a helping hand to its long distance event rival the Challenge Family.
Following the cancellation of the 2011 Challenge Cape Town event, which was originally due to be held on 6 November 2011, WTC has offered an opportunity for Challenge Cape Town athletes to compete at remaining Ironman events in 2011.
The WTC release notes that the company ‘knows better than most how much goes into preparing for an Ironman race.’ WTC goes on to point out that ‘the average athlete getting ready for a full-distance race spends more than seven months training between 18 and 30 hours a week. The sacrifices aren’t just undertaken by athletes, either – support from family and friends is a critical part of any athlete’s preparation.’
In recognition of that commitment, the Ironman team is offering the athletes who were registered for the recently postponed Challenge Cape Town the opportunity to compete in one of the remaining Ironman races in 2011. The remaining events include Ironman Florida, Arizona, Cozumel and Western Australia.
While these events have been sold out for months, ‘Ironman is prepared to handle the overflow on an emergency basis due to the extraordinary nature of the situation.’
Interested age group athletes should contact athleteservices[at]ironman.com (professionals should contact preregistration[at]ironman.com) with their request and proof of entry. Based on availability, Ironman will do its best to accommodate requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the time of writing it was unclear if the offer from WTC had the blessing of the Challenge Family team.
All athletes registered for Challenge Cape Town can roll-over their entry to 2012 and receive a free relay entry for a family member or friend or get a refund. Dates for the 2012 Challenge Cape Town event are to be confirmed.
The release from Challenge about the postponement of the Cape Town event to 2012 noted that all confirmed Challenge Cape Town athletes can receive a free spot at any other long distance Challenge Family race in 2012. The races available are Challenge Wanaka (21 Jan), Challenge Cairns (3 June), Challenge Roth (8 July), Challenge Copenhagen (12 Aug), Challenge Vichy (18 Aug), Challenge Henley (16 Sept) and Challenge Barcelona (30 Sept). All eligible athletes will have received an email with details on how to take up this offer.
