Ironman has selected Chattanooga to host the 26th race in the Ironman 70.3 U.S. Series with Sunbelt Bakery as the title sponsor. The inaugural Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2015.
“After the phenomenal success of Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga, we are extremely excited to add an Ironman 70.3 race, providing another opportunity for athletes to race and take in the beauty of this area,” said Andrew Messick, chief executive officer of Ironman. “Chattanooga proved to be an incredible host this past September, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with this great community.”
Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga will lead athletes through a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run on nearly the same course as Ironman Chattanooga. The Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga race will start with a point-to-point 1.2-mile swim down the Tennessee River. Athletes will exit the water and transition at Ross’s Landing Park before starting a one-loop 56-mile bike course that will travel through north Georgia and historic Chickamauga. Athletes will then begin the double-loop 13.1-mile run through the Scenic City. After running through downtown Chattanooga, The Tennessee Riverwalk, Veterans Bridge, North Shore, Walnut Street Bridge, and the Riverfront Parkway, athletes will come to a finish at Ross’s Landing.
“It’s truly an honor to be chosen to host an additional Ironman event. This speaks volumes for the collaborative efforts of our community. According to Ironman, we are one of only 10 cities globally that host both an Ironman and an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. That’s phenomenal. Including participants, families and spectators, we’re expecting more than 6,000 people and an estimated economic impact of three to four million dollars annually. We strategically booked this date for a time when we need the business,” said Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Jim Coppinger, mayor of Hamilton County said, “We are extremely proud that Ironman chose Chattanooga to host an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. It’s exciting that the spotlight continues to be on Hamilton County. We have the infrastructure for hosting events like this, from world-class natural amenities for the athletes to providing an exceptional experience for the spectators. We know these events would not happen without community support. I want to say a special thank you to Chris McKee, Sunbelt Bakery, and the McKee family for their support as the title sponsor.”
“On September 28, Ironman participants and event organizers experienced a Chattanooga eager and ready to welcome them. It’s a testament to our city’s spirit, organization, and natural resources to have the honor of hosting not just a signature Ironman event, but now the Ironman 70.3 triathlon. I want to thank everyone who has been involved in securing these events, and especially the McKee family and Sunbelt Bakery for their title sponsorship,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga will offer 30 age group slots to the 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Championship taking place on August 30, 2015 in Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand, Austria.
General registration for Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga will open Tuesday, Nov. 18 at noon at www.ironman.com/chattanooga70.3.
Source: Ironman
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