IRONMAN has announced that the race previously known as Revolution3Triathlon Maine will now be operated as an IRONMAN 70.3 event, the first-ever in Maine. The race will take place in Old Orchard Beach on Sunday 27 August 2017. General registration opens on 15 November 2016.
The incorporation of the Rev3 Maine event under the M-Dot banner marks a key strategic expansion of the IM brand into Maine, the most northeastern US state. It also follows hot-on-the-heels of IRONMAN taking over the reins of the Gulf Coast Triathlon in Panama City Beach in northwestern Florida.
“We are pleased to add the landmark location of Old Orchard Beach to our IRONMAN 70.3 race series and look forward to growing the event in this historic beach community,” said Jeff Edwards, Vice President of Operations for IRONMAN. “We are proud to offer this event in such an iconic Eastern Seaboard destination that is sure to provide athletes and their supporters a spectacular race experience.”
Well-recognised for its pier, which stretches out nearly 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, Old Orchard Beach is a seven-mile strip of sandy beach that has been a family destination for more than 170 years. Welcoming families and tourists alike, the beach plays host to weekly fireworks and concerts, and offers fishing, whale watch tours, golf and more.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Maine triathlon begins with a 1.2-mile swim gracing the shores of the beach. The 56-mile bike course starts out flat and fast before taking athletes through a series of rolling hills in the surrounding Maine farmland and countryside. Tall pine trees provide shade over much of the course, as it winds through Saco, Dayton, Lyman, Waterboro, Hollis and Old Orchard Beach.
The 13.1-mile out-and-back run course is flat and provides sweeping views of the Scarborough Marsh and includes a portion over the storied Eastern Trail with a finish line in downtown Old Orchard Beach.
“Our entire team is excited about the opportunity to bring one of the largest sporting events to Old Orchard Beach,” said Charlie Patten, Owner and Founder of Revolution3Triathlon. “This community has it all; a gorgeous beach with an incredible pier, several activities within walking distance of the finish line and expo, and one of the friendliest New England communities you will find. If you love Lobster, Clam Chowder and the beautiful Maine coastline, then this is a race you won’t want to miss!”
IRONMAN 70.3 Maine will offer 35 slots to the 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place on 1-2 September 2018 in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
