IRONMAN brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has confirmed the addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este triathlon in Uruguay to its expanding South American portfolio. This is the seventh IRONMAN-branded race in South America and the first in Uruguay.
Previously known as the Iron Punta Triathlon, IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este will take place on 29 November 2015, along the beautiful Atlantic Coast of Uruguay.
“We are thrilled to bring our brand to Uruguay and expand the IRONMAN 70.3 event series in South America,” said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for IRONMAN. “There’s been a strong foundation laid for long-distance racing over the past 10 years in Punta del Este and we look forward to executing a first-ever, world-class IRONMAN 70.3 event in the region.”
The IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este triathlon begins with a 1.2-mile (1.9K) swim in the calm blue waters of Maldonado Bay, where swimmers will pass the tranquil Gorriti Island, before returning to the beach where they started.
Athletes will then embark on a two-loop, 56-mile (90K) bike course that travels along the stunning coastline towards Punta Ballena Hill. Finally, athletes will take on a two-loop, flat and fast 13.1-mile (21K) run course that winds around the peninsula of Punta del Este to the point where the Atlantic meets the Rio de la Plata.
The course offers striking ocean views as it passes by the city’s famous fish markets, prestigious yacht port, multiple restaurants and ‘Los Dedos’” – an iconic sculpture of a giant hand emerging from the sand, one of Uruguay’s most recognizable landmarks – before a lively finish line just off the beach at The Conrad Hotel.
“We are excited by the opportunity to work with IRONMAN in the next edition of the Punta del Este race,” said Jorge Beltran, IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este Local Race Director. “The combination of IRONMAN’s world-class brand and operations, the support from the city and the heritage of the Punta race should result in a spectacular race experience for our athletes. We are hugely looking forward to welcoming our athletes to the race later this year.”
Punta del Este is a world famous beach resort situated on the coastline of Uruguay. The city boasts a mix of colonial and cutting edge modern architecture combined with picturesque beaches, world-class dining and shopping options, and a friendly, safe atmosphere. According to WTC, Punta del Este’s climate, high quality roads and coastal location makes the city an ideal IRONMAN 70.3 race location.
Positioned between Argentina, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay offers a unique opportunity to visit one of the world’s most spectacular locations. The country’s ‘Uruguay Natural’ campaign highlights the coastlines and rivers that offer visitors the opportunity to explore some hidden gems, or relax and enjoy the miles of stunning beaches.
The capital city of Montevideo, just 90 minutes to the west of Punta del Este has been voted as the city with the highest quality of life in Latin America.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este triathlon will offer a US$25,000 professional prize purse and 30 age-group qualifying slots for the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
www.ironman.com/puntadeleste70.3
