Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has confirmed that Princeton, New Jersey, has been selected to host the 24th race in the Ironman 70.3 US Series. The inaugural Ironman 70.3 Princeton triathlon will take place on Sunday 21 September 2014.
“We’re excited to be able to bring Ironman back to the tri-state area, and particularly to Princeton,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of Ironman/WTC. “Princeton and its surrounding area have a long and established history in triathlon and endurance sports, and we think this event will provide participants with one of the most scenic and challenging courses anywhere in North America.”
One of more than 60 events in the global Ironman 70.3 Series, Ironman 70.3 Princeton will lead athletes through a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run through the Princeton Region of New Jersey. The race will start with a single loop 1.2-mile swim in Mercer Lake where athletes can expect a calm lake with mild temperatures.
The bike will be a one-loop 56-mile course that will begin and end at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. Participants will make their way from the suburban park setting to the rolling countryside of rural Monmouth County.
The two and a half loop 13.1-mile run course will take place primarily on the paved jogging paths within Mercer County Park, making its way to nearby Mercer County College. Athletes will run through the tree lined centre of the campus, around the soccer and baseball venues before turning back onto the path connecting the college with the park. After the second lap, the course will finish in the brand new event pavilion.
“We are thrilled to host a premier competition like the Ironman 70.3 triathlon at Mercer County Park for the first time,” said County Executive Brian M Hughes. “We invite the thousands of people who will be drawn to this event to discover Mercer County’s many treasures, including our thriving arts and cultural offerings, award-winning restaurants and unique shopping opportunities.”
“We are very excited to welcome Ironman 70.3 Princeton to the region,” added Peter Crowley, CEO and president of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton Regional Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
He continued, “This is the closest Ironman branded event to the metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia, and I know the athletes will appreciate the beauty of this destination. The event should draw a wide audience and produce a significant economic impact to the Princeton Region.”
STOMP The Monster (STM) is the official Charity Partner of the 2014 Ironman 70.3 Princeton, which will support a team of 100 athletes through their endurance training and fundraising program. The program participants will raise funds in order to provide financial and other support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most – during their fight with the disease.
The 2014 Ironman 70.3 Princeton race will have a US$15,000 professional prize purse and will be a P-500 race. Additionally, the race will offer 35 age group slots to the 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which will be taking place in Europe.
General registration for Ironman 70.3 Princeton will open at noon ET on Monday 16 December 2013.
