Wanda Sports entity IRONMAN is adding a new IRONMAN 70.3 event to Madison, Wisconsin, and replacing the independently owned Wisconsin Milkman Triathlon. The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin triathlon will take place on Sunday 11 June 2017 and joins the historic IRONMAN Wisconsin triathlon, in the heart of the state capital.
“The Wisconsin Milkman Triathlon was a highly successful race that was put on by our IRONMAN Wisconsin Race Director Ryan Richards and Ryan Griessmeyer of Race Day Events,” said Jeff Edwards, Vice President of Operations for IRONMAN.
“We look forward to having Ryan now continue as race director for both the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events in Madison as well as working with Race Day Events. Madison has played host to numerous popular events; we are thrilled to have this race join our 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 North American calendar.”
The new M-Dot branded race will grace the shores along iconic Olin Park starting with a 1.2-mile swim in the waters of Lake Monona, the same lake used by IRONMAN Wisconsin. Competitors will then bike 56 miles among the rolling hills of Dane County, south of Madison, using the Capital City Bike Path. Finally, a picturesque 13.1-mile counter-clockwise run takes participants along the shores of Lake Monona on the way back to Madison.
“I am excited to continue my work with IRONMAN as we grow the sport of triathlon in Madison,” said Ryan Richards IRONMAN Wisconsin Race Director. “Our goal is to build on the strong tradition of IRONMAN Wisconsin and continue to provide additional opportunities for athletes of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of Madison and the surrounding communities in Dane County.”
“We are excited to add IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin to our community calendar of special events,” said Deb Archer President and CEO of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau and Madison Area Sports Commissions.
Archer continued, “After having hosted IRONMAN Wisconsin for the past 15 years, we’ve seen sustained enthusiasm from our community in the way of volunteers, spectators, civic cooperation and collaboration.
“Athletes from around the country and the world continually remark on what an exceptional race experience we offer, from our challenging biking to our clean lakes, to our fans and volunteer support along the way. It’s because of this community’s goodwill and support that we can continue to welcome IRONMAN Wisconsin and now the new IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin triathlon to Madison with open arms.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin will offer 50 slots to the 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place on 9-10 September 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. General registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin will open on 27 September 2016 at 12:00pm ET.
