World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) and BN Sports LLC have announced that the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Panama is nearing capacity and will close once it sells out, or on 31 January 2012, whichever comes first.
Scheduled for 12 February 2012, Ironman 70.3 Panama is the first Latin American Pro Championship in the global Ironman 70.3 Series. Professional athletes such as Leanda Cave (GBR) and Chris Lieto (USA) will race alongside age group competitors on a beautiful course that showcases picturesque Central America.
The swim will take place in the Pacific Ocean within the banks of the Panama Canal with athletes transitioning near the Biodiversity Museum, built by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The bike course will lead athletes over the Bridge of the Americas en route to the Pan-American Highway, passing by downtown and the Cinta Costera (Coastal Strip). The final leg of the race features a two-loop run course that utilizes the Amador Causeway, a major tourism area surrounded by the Pacific Ocean
One of nearly 60 events in the Ironman 70.3 Series, the inaugural event will offer a professional prize purse of US$75,000. Athletes will also compete for 35 age group qualifying slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship 70.3, to be held on 9 September 2012, at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada.
