Europeans will have a new World Triathlon Corporation race to look forward to with the announcement of the new Ironman 70.3 Ireland triathlon event. The city of Galway on the west coast of Ireland will host the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Ireland race on September 4, 2011. Ireland becomes the nineteenth country to host an Ironman 70.3 Series race and joins Spain, Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany with races in Europe.
Galway is known as the "Cultural Heart of Ireland" and hosts numerous festivals, celebrations and events. The city is located on Ireland's west coast and is within a short drive from the Shannon Airport and is two hours from Dublin.
Triathlon: Ironman 70.3 Ireland
When: Sunday, September 4, 2011
Where: Galway, Ireland
Divisions: Professional, Age Group
Website: www.ironmanireland.com
The start of the race begins between the seaside village of Salthill and the famous ancient Claddagh fishing village around which the city of Galway grew. After the 1.9 k swim in the crystal clear waters of Galway Bay, the athletes will take on the challenge of the 90 km bike course, leading them through the beautiful countryside taking in views of Conamara and the Burren along the way. On the spectator friendly run course (21.1 km) through downtown Galway with its many pedestrianised streets, athletes pass a number of Galway's iconic landmarks, finishing under the grand stands of John F. Kennedy Park, better known locally as Eyre Square.
"I believe that the Ironman 70.3 in Galway on the West coast of Ireland offers Ironman athletes a truly unique challenge in a location that is unrivaled anywhere in the world. Galway is famous for its friendly atmosphere and stunningly beautiful landscape, all of which should add up to a thoroughly wonderful experience for competitors from all around the world," says Eoin McCormack of E & R Events, local partner of the race in Galway.
The new race will become one of the 40 qualifying races for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship race held every year in Clearwater, Florida and joins Mallorca, Spain with a new race in 2011. The new Ironman 70.3 Ireland triathlon will have 35 qualifying slots for Clearwater.
Registration for this new event will open on October 11, 2010. For more information on the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Ireland race visit www.ironmanireland.com.
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