The start of the Chinese Year of the Ox is said to be inspiring both athletes and race organisers as they prepare for this year’s race on 19 April 2009. Considered to be the most persevering and responsible of the twelve animal signs under the Chinese astrological system, Chinese astrologers say the Year of the Ox will influence triathletes to become more hard-working.
Ironman China launched last year with the goal of becoming Asia’s premier triathlon. “We are a destination race,” said Ironman China’s Event Director, Murphy Reinschreiber, “and as such we need to appeal to athletes across the region and the globe. We see Japan and Korea as home markets for the race and are tailoring the event so that athletes from these countries will be at home at Ironman China in April.”
The latest step toward this goal is the recent launch of the event’s newly revamped website in four languages. Ironmanchina.com now presents all the race information in Chinese, Korean and Japanese as well as English.
“Last year’s race, the inaugural edition, was a real melting pot of international competitors, from across Asia and beyond,” said Race Director, Tinny Tung. “It’s very important to the future of Ironman China to show a commitment to the growth of triathlon amongst the Asian community by communicating in the predominant regional languages.”
Ironman China is equally committed to assuring that participants leave Haikou with a hefty dose of China’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to opening and closing ceremonies featuring such Chinese cultural staples as lion dancers and fireworks, the race is working out details to include a traditional Chinese lantern festival as part of the race week activities. Traditionally, paper lanterns have a small candle within which helps the lantern to fly and are used to bring good luck.
Ironman China has 50 qualifying slots for the Ford Ironman World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii, each October. Ironman 70.3 China has 25 slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, held in Clearwater, Florida. The tropical conditions of Ironman China mimic those at both World Championships.
