The Woodlands Board of Directors voted today in favor of paying $30,000 to the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) for the right to host a prestigious Ironman race in their community starting in 2011. In return the WTC has pledged to provide $100,000 in donations to local charities. This means that Ironman Texas becomes a reality.
The Woodlands community just north of Houston, TX will play host to the Ironman event which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run on May 21, 2011. The race becomes the 23rd race in the prestigious Ironman series. The new triathlon event in the Lone Star State becomes one of the worldwide qualifying races for the Ironman World Championship race held in Kona, Hawaii every year.
Triathlon: Ironman Texas
When: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Where: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Divisions: Professional, Age Group, Physically Challenged
Website: www.ironmantexas.com
"Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas will be a phenomenal race," said Steve Meckfessel, Ironman's Chief Operations Officer. "The community's spirit, unique amenities and accessibility make The Woodlands a perfect destination for our athletes and spectators. We're truly excited about adding this event to the 2011 Ironman schedule."
Race entry begins Friday, June 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM (EST). Entries are $600 USD (plus processing fees).
According to the Ironman Texas website, the athletes will begin with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands that begins at North Shore Park and finishes at Town Green Park. Next is a 112-mile bike course that will take participants west through The Woodlands before heading north. The bike portion is followed by a 26.2-mile run course entirely within The Woodlands concluding on Market Street.
Ironman Texas will offer 65 qualifying slots to the 2011 Ironman World Championship, taking place on October 8th in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. There will be a prize purse of $100,000 for distribution among the top professional male and female finishers.
The Ironman event is expected to attract 2,500 participants from all 50 states and 25 counties during the third weekend in May and generate about $16 million to the local economy for airlines, hotel rooms, food and beverage sales, sightseeing, entertainment and shopping, said Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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