Commerce Cabinet
Kentucky Sports Authority Welcomes National Ironman Event to Louisville

(Frankfort, KY) – Today, Ironman and the Greater Louisville Sports Commission and the Convention and Visitors Bureau announced an addition to the global Ironman event series in 2007, Ford Ironman Louisville.  The five-year agreement for Ford Ironman Louisville will enhance an already substantial list of Ironman events, with more than 12 events nationwide.  The inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville is scheduled for August 26, 2007 and will serve as a qualifier for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship taking place on October 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

"This event adds to the ever-growing list of international sports events coming to Kentucky," said Terry Johnson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Sports Authority. "The Greater Louisville Sports Commission and Convention and Visitor's Bureau have done a wonderful job attracting this competition."

The event should lead to 15,000 hotel room nights being booked in the city, and an estimated economic impact of $10 million-to-$15 million.

"This is one of the biggest amateur sporting events that have ever been to Louisville and the state," said Jeff Schneider, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Louisville Sports Commission. "The city and state will embrace Ironman and we look forward to combining the athletes’ passion for Ironman with Louisville’s ongoing enthusiasm and support for sports."

Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run.  Athletes must complete the three disciplines in succession within the 17-hour time frame. The 2.4 mile swim for Ford Ironman Louisville will take place in the Ohio River and the bike and run course will take athletes throughout various areas of Louisville to include not only downtown but also Prospect, Clifton, the city of LaGrange, Clarksville, Ind. and Butchertown.

“Louisville has all of the key elements that an Ironman venue demands: scenic, rolling hills, community support and several beautiful parks.  It also has another element that will make this event one of Ironman’s most popular destinations, Louisville hospitality,” comments President and CEO of Ironman, Ben Fertic.       

Athletes can register for the event beginning on October 21 at 3 p.m. EST by visiting www.ironman.com.  The 2007 event will reach capacity at 2,100 athletes and includes a $50,000 professional prize purse.  For event-related questions, contact the Event Director, Steve Meckfessel via email at steve@ironman.com.

World Triathlon Corporation, owners and organizers of Ironman, is a Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and quality products.  With the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Series, Ironman now has more than 40 qualifying events worldwide.  Supported by partners that include Ford Motor Company, Dell, Timex and Gatorade, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world.  Ironman has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception 28 years ago and is regarded as the world’s most challenging endurance event.  Millions may remember moments in Ironman history such as Julie Moss’ crawl to the finish line in 1982, which was showcased on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.  Each year, more than 40,000 athletes compete for slots in the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 held every November in Clearwater, FL. 

For media related inquiries, contact Blair LaHaye at blair@ironman.com or Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com.  Both can be reached at 727-942-4767.

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