IRONMAN, the City of Boulder, Colorado, and the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau have agreed to extend their partnership for an additional two years with the continuation of the IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder and IRONMAN Boulder triathlons in 2017 and 2018.
This agreement will move IRONMAN Boulder to a June race date and the IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder back to its historic date in August.
“Boulder is an incredible city with a dedicated and growing triathlon community. These races continue the rich history of triathlon in Boulder and we are pleased to be a part of that,” said Jeff Edwards, Vice President of North American Operations for IRONMAN.
“We are thrilled to build on the foundation that has been established with the city as we continue to shape the future of IRONMAN in Boulder.”
Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, Boulder is a popular home-base and vacation destination for triathletes. IRONMAN adds that the city’s health-conscious culture, weather and natural environment provide a sensational venue for athletes and spectators.
“The city’s relationship with IRONMAN further solidifies Boulder’s space as a high altitude sporting venue,” said Mary Ann Mahoney, Executive Director of The Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are excited about the new race schedule and the potential to increase our draw for regional, national and international visitors.”
The Blueprint for Athletes IRONMAN Boulder triathlon will take place 11 June 2017 and IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder will be held on 5 August 2017. The date change ‘establishes a race in which both professional and age-group triathletes can now compete at a full-distance IRONMAN race in North America during the month of June.’
“The City of Boulder is excited to continue its partnership with IRONMAN,” added Boulder City Manager, Jane Brautigam. “We look forward to the next two years and to further solidifying the relationship between IRONMAN, race participants and our community.”
In addition, for the first time, IRONMAN will pursue a Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport at the 2016 Blueprint for Athletes IRONMAN Boulder event. IRONMAN elected to work towards a Council certification by prioritizing socially and environmentally responsible efforts in the planning and execution of the event.
To achieve certification, IRONMAN is working with Waste Management to adhere to principles set forth in five sustainability categories of the council’s certification standards: planning, procurement, resource management, access and equity, and community legacy.
One of more than 40 events in the global IRONMAN Series, the Blueprint for Athletes IRONMAN Boulder triathlon first took place in 2014 and features a course that has quickly become a staple in the IRONMAN triathlon circuit.
Blueprint for Athletes IRONMAN Boulder athletes begin their day with a 2.4-mile, one-loop swim in the calm waters of the Boulder Reservoir. Participants then continue on a challenging 112-mile, multi-loop bike course within Boulder County featuring mountain views with a handful of climbs while also providing fast and flat sections.
The 26.2-mile run course is two loops and features a well-shaded path with plenty of spectator viewing points before taking athletes over Arapahoe Road to the finish line.
IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder, historically an athlete favourite, provides athletes a scenic and challenging course. Participants begin their journey with a 1.2-mile swim in the Boulder Reservoir, followed by a fast and flowing 56-mile bike course through North Boulder County. The two-loop, 13.1-mile run course begins and ends at the Boulder Reservoir.
www.ironman.com/boulder
www.ironman.com/boulder70.3
