September 4th 2011, Galway will proudly host the first ever IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland |
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On September 4th 2011, Galway will proudly host the first ever IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland. The inaugural race will see over 2500 athletes taking part in a 1.9km swim in the crystal-clear waters of Galway Bay, followed by a challenging 90km cycle course leading them out to the scenic Connemara region and back into Galway City where the competitors will take on a grueling 21.1km run along a spectator-friendly course finishing in the heart of Salthill. Triathlon is now the fastest growing individual sport in Ireland and the IRONMAN is the pinnacle of this sport worldwide. IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland will award 35 qualifying slots for the 2012 IRONMAN World Championship 70.3 in Florida. Eoin McCormack, of E&R Events Ltd the official local organisers for the sporting event is extremely proud to have secured the prestigious race for Galway. “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 unrivalled 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. Along with his E&R Events Ltd business partner Ronan Gilligan, the young local businessmen have successfully obtained the event for Galway for the next five years. All 2000 single entry slots for the race have sold out six months in advance reflecting the high level of excitement and expectation surrounding the event. A number of athletes will also be competing on behalf of two extremely worthy charities. Some participants will be joining Boyzone star Keith Duffy and his ‘Team Duffy’ to raise funds for Irish Autism Action and others will partake in the race as part of a relay in aid of Croí- West of Ireland. The financial impact from the event is expected to exceed €25 million over the five year period. With athletes from 41 countries represented in the race, the event will give a much welcomed boost to the tourism and hospitality industries in the West of Ireland. The race will also be aired on various television channels around the world including Channel 4, Setanta , The Active Channel and ESPN Star Sports to name a few. This allows us a wonderful opportunity to showcase Galway City and to promote the spectacular West of Ireland region to millions of potential visitors. For further information visit: http://ironmanireland.com/ Courtesy JCI |
