General entries for next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 UK 2015 have not only sold out in a record time of 7 weeks but also seen a 35% increase in female participation.
The appeal for racing IRONMAN continues to attract an increasing number of athletes inspired to test themselves in this ‘ultimate swim, bike, run challenge’. Demand for entry into IRONMAN 70.3 UK, arguably of the toughest 70.3’s on the IRONMAN calendar, has never been higher and entry statistics are proving that female athletes are also seeking such a challenge.
One of the biggest changes in IRONMAN growth is the increase in female participation, both in the UK and abroad. 28% of the field at the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, were women – the highest proportion the event had ever had and this is being mirrored in the UK.
Female participation in previous years for IRONMAN 70.3 UK has consistently been 13-15%, but for the first time in 2015, 20% of the 1950 registered athletes will be female.
With general entries having closed in a record 7 weeks, 13 weeks faster than last year, athletes still looking for entry into this iconic event in the spectacular setting of Exmoor’s National Park, can now only do so through official charities Macmillan, Scope and The Rotary.
Kevin Stewart, IRONMAN Director of Northern Europe, said, “It’s fantastic to see so many athletes wanting to take up the challenge of the world’s first 70.3. With over half the field being new to IRONMAN together with a further 70 female participants entered for 2015, the demanding course that Exmoor offers is clearly a desirable goal for all.”
Three time winner and 2014 Irish Triathlete of the year, Eimear Mullan added, “I love a tough race, the tougher the better and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint!”
IRONMAN 70.3 UK, Exmoor, which takes place on Saturday 28 June 2015, will have 50 slots on offer for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will be held in Europe for the first time in Zell am See, Austria, next August.
Additionally, the event will be encouraging children aged 3-14 to come and get a taste for the sport and be part of the action with its IRONKIDS run event. Entry to IronKids opened on Friday 14 November 2014.
www.ironmanuk.com
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