Cologne, Germany (March, 31th, 2008) - The Organisation of Cologne226 is going to start a cooperation with the METRO Group Marathon Düsseldorf to develop an endurance series throughout the Rhine region. The first two competitions of this race series will be the Marathon in Düsseldorf in May 2008 and the Triathlon in Cologne in September 2008. Other races will follow. This race series to be named Rhineland Champions will have a combined valuation system and aims to attract increased publicity across Germany and Europe. The partnership between Cologne and Düsseldorf is an enrichment for the region as well as for endurance sport.
Lots of triathletes use the Düsseldorf Marathon to prepare themselves for the triathlon season, while a number of marathon runners take the opportunity to try another endurance sport.
A valuation system for both races
Athletes that enter the contest of METRO Group Marathon Düsseldorf and Cologne Triathlon can participate in the combined valuation. This valuation is possible for all distances at Cologne Triathlon. In the first year of this cooperation a specific athlete entry is not required. The final time of both competitions will be added and will determine the final positioning. The awards to the Rhineland Champions will take place in September 2008 in a combined ceremony.
Cooperation starts in May 2008
On May, 4th, 2008, approximately 10.000 runners will start over different distances at the METRO Group Marathon Düsseldorf. At this race the first athletes of the sporting cooperation will participate in the Rhineland Champion valuation. Cologne226 will be the next event.
Olaf Sabatschus will participate
The German professional triathlete Olaf Sabatschus will race at Cologne226 over the long distance. Sabatschus is a successful endurance athlete and participated several times in the Ironman Hawaii. This year he will take part in the Ironman China, in the Ironman Brasil, in the Quelle Challenge in Roth and in the Iron-Distance at Cologne226. He is one of the favourites to win this race.
Multilingual information now available
Information for Cologne226 and all other distances is available now on the website in four languages: German, English, French and Spanish. So far over 900 athletes have already registered.
Further information can be seen under www.koelntriathlon.de and www.metrogroupmarathon.de.
