On 19 February 2012, Colombo will host Sri Lanka’s first Ironman 70.3 and 5150 Series race, offering qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 and 5150 Series Championship.
The new Sri Lankan events will respectively become part of the Ironman 70.3 Series, which includes over 40 races worldwide, and the 15-race 5150 Triathlon Series.
General entry for both Ironman 70.3 and 5150 events is now open online at IronmanSriLanka.com. The events will be staged from the beautiful Galle Face Green in the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and in downtown Colombo.
The Ironman 70.3 event will feature a 1.9K swim, followed by a three-lap 90K bike and finish with a two-lap 21K run. The 5150 Triathlon will feature a 1.5K swim, followed by a one-lap 40K bike and finishing with a 10K run. Over 700 participants are estimated to attend the inaugural event.
“Sri Lanka is excited to be bringing the Ironman brand to Colombo, and we look forward to showcasing this spectacular triathlon venue to the multisport world,” said Marlon Saldin, Event Co-Race Director.
Once called ‘the finest island for its size in the world’ by Marco Polo, Sri Lanka will provide participants many reasons for an extended stay beyond the race weekend – with its seductive beaches and magnificent landscapes. The New York Times named Sri Lanka the number one place in the world to visit in 2010.
“Sri Lanka is an incredible destination location,” said Shannon Kurek, Co-Race Director, “Colombo is a very athlete-friendly host city that will bring everything conveniently together within walking distance from the host hotels for this inaugural Ironman 70.3 and 5150 race.”
Ironman Asia-Pacific Managing Director Murphy Reinschreiber added, “This event confirms that Ironman is truly a global sport. There are now athletes and government and business infrastructure to support our events in every corner of the world.
“While this race breaks new ground, the race course and event operations in Sri Lanka will be first rate.”
