Hot on the heels of unveiling the first ever Ironman 70.3 Haugesund Norway, the city of Kalmar in Sweden will join the Ironman European Tour hosting the inaugural Ironman Sweden/Kalmar on 18 August 2012 – the first full Ironman race in Scandinavia.
“Being able to host the only Ironman competition in Scandinavia is a great initiative which will definitely bring Kalmar into the sport tourism spotlight and will have huge benefits for both the town and the region, so today is a big day for us” said Johan Persson, the Mayor of Kalmar.
Athletes will be treated to a special swim course, swimming in the Kalmar Strait that separates the city of Kalmar from the island of Öland one of Sweden’s favorite vacation spots. The bike course leads athletes through the scenic landscape of Småland in the south-western part of Sweden, known for being the former home of two of Sweden’s greatest: IKEA founder Ivar Kampgard and world-renowed author Astrid Lindgren, whose stories often portray scenes from her childhood growing up in the Småland. Ironman Sweden 2012 will finish at the main square of Kalmar.
Previously known as the Kalmar Triathlon, the race attracted more than 700 participants and over 15,000 spectators last year. “Upgrading Kalmar Triathlon to Ironman Kalmar will [the] boost economy and positively affect everyone involved,” said the Chief Executive of the regional council in Kalmar County, Håkan Brynielsson.
Registration will open on Tuesday 20 December.
