Organisers of the 2011 PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon in North Carolina have confirmed that the event has sold out, with a record 1,875 triathletes to compete in the triathlon on 29 October. It is the first time the triathlon has sold out since the inaugural event in 2008.
Produced by Set Up Events, the PPD Beach2Battleship benefits the Wilmington Family YMCA and includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, with a half iron distance triathlon event also on offer.
A total of 800 participants are registered for the full iron distance triathlon and 1,075 participants are registered for the half iron distance. The field of participants represents 43 states and five overseas countries.
“Selling out our event in its fourth year shows the fantastic growth and continued popularity of the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon,” said Dick Jones, Wilmington Family YMCA President. “The entire community should be proud of the event as it showcases all that the Wilmington area has to offer to people from all over the country and the world.”
Preliminary calculations for an economic impact study provided by the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau include:
- 2,100 attendees – 90% from out of town
- 3.5 days average stay
- Travel party size – 2.5 people
- Direct Spending – US$1,575,700
- Economic impact to community – US$3,939,350
“One of the great events in Wilmington is the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon,” added Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. “Not only does the event give us the opportunity to share our quality of life with all of the participants, it also gives us a unique opportunity to showcase all of the wonderful things to do in our city.”
PPD Inc, a leading global contract research organization, supports the event as its title sponsor to educate the public on the vital role of clinical research and participation in clinical trials to deliver new medicines to improve health and save lives, and to support the local community.
