For the last several month, uncertainty loomed over the running of the 2009 Ironman UK triathlon event. People assumed next year's race would still take place in August in Sherborne. Rumors started popping up that something might change, like the venue but no details were available on the race website. Organizers did open pre-registration for all those interested in participating next year but those that did pre-register didn't know what they were in for.
Now Ironman UK organizers are set to unveil the huge changes which include the new race venue and possibly a new race date. At the same time, they will open the race up for registration. Athletes that got on the Ironman UK pre registration list will be first to find out the details on Friday December 12th at 9AM (GMT).
Change is good, which should make next year's race exciting and interesting. It seems organizers want to make the race more accessible and friendlier for athletes and supporters. The new host location will be centralized with better transportation options, more accommodations and an increased local infrastructure to support the influx of people there during race week. Ironman.com reports that a few unique UK twists will be added to the event which will give it an individual style and flair, we'll see.
Full race details will be available on the event website www.ironmanuk.com on Saturday, December 13th. As soon as we know we'll post the new information, stay tuned...
Triathlon: Ironman UK
When: Sunday, August 2nd 2009, 2009
Where: Bolton, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Divisions: Professional, Age Group
Website: www.ironmanuk.com
- Ironman Series Race Map [via TRImapper.com]
==== UPDATE (ANNOUNCEMENT LETTER) ====
Dear Athlete
IRONMAN UK is pleased to announce that the host town of the 2009 IRONMAN UK will be Bolton. The IRONMAN UK race will take place on August 2nd 2009 and will showcase the area, the town and the great facilities that Bolton town has to offer. Bolton Council has fully welcomed and endorsed the event, and is excited to be the new host town for the UK's only official IRONMAN World Championship Qualifying event.
To sign up for the 2009 IRONMAN UK event please follow the link below;
** removed registrain link **
Full course details, maps, routes and profiles will follow after the Christmas and New Year break. IRONMAN UK are more than aware as to how patient athletes have been for the new location and date. This news should enable those athletes to book holiday time - and to plan their training schedules once the festive season is over! IRONMAN UK and the relevant authorities are finalising the finer points of the routes, although a few pointers are included below!!!!
The Race courses will be officially launched in January at a press conference held in Bolton designed to promote the race and the area. This press conference will launch the 2009 IRONMAN UK course and all the challenges it will offer to its competitors. In addition the press conference will mark IRONMAN UK being welcomed into the heart of Bolton town and it's community.
IRONMAN UK will be working closely with Bolton Council to ensure that this event becomes a showcase for the area with the proposed IMUK Bike course heading out towards Southport, with a course predicted to be the fastest IRONMAN UK course yet. The proposed IMUK marathon will take place on a lapped, out-and-back course, taking competitors into Bolton town, providing a flat fast run course. This IMUK run route will provide huge spectator access throughout the entire run section. The proposed IMUK finish line will be spectacular and hosted in the middle of Bolton in the pedestrianised area in front of the historic Town Hall.
IRONMAN UK has been looking at potential venues for over 12 months and has based their decisions on a set of criteria obtained from previous IMUK feedbacks forms and emails sent to the Race Office. This set of criteria included areas such as:
Good Access – Bolton is in the heart of the country and easily accessible for almost anywhere. It is just off the M6 Motorway and near a major international airport which will be great for International competitors.
Good Accommodation – In the Bolton region there is varied accomodation ranging from camping through to 2-5 star hotels. So there is accommodation to suit everybody. Please go to the Accommodation link at www.ironmanuk.com for local accommodation.
Family Activities – By partnering with Bolton, families and spectators will have the opportunity to head to the town centre to catch all the racing action. In between their spectating duties, families and supporters will be able to avail themselves of the nearby Middlebrook shopping centre with its multitude of restaurants and entertainments.
Challenging Course – In true IMUK tradition the search was on to achieve another memorable course that would offer the challenge that IRONMAN athletes look for. IRONMAN UK feel this new 2009 course will strike the balance between a spectacular and scenic course with all the additional amenities of a large town.
Date – The positioning of the IMUK event in the annual calendar is crucial for both race organisers and competitors alike. A later date suits the majority of our field being from the UK, as it provides sufficient training time once our British winter has come to an end! The decision by IRONMAN UK and Bolton to hold the 2009 event on the first August weekend will enable more families, friends and spectators to come for the event and enjoy the area and its hospitality for a few days both before and after the race.
IRONMAN UK is very excited to be working with such a forward thinking region. Bolton is equally excited at the prospect of welcoming our IRONMAN UK competitors, friends and supporters to their area.
Please note this e-mail is only being sent to the 4800+ e-mail addresses on the 2009 IMUK Pre-Registration mailing list. The 2009 IMUK event will have just 1500 start slots. Should there be any start slots left over after this initial 48-hours advance entry opportunity, general entries will open to the rest of the world on Monday 15th December. Don't delay! Enter now!
IRONMAN UK look forward to seeing you on the start line in Bolton on August 2nd 2009.
Yours in sport
IRONMAN UK Race Office.
