November 14, 2007 -- Ironman 70.3 Kansas is the latest addition to the Ironman 70.3 series. Taking place on June 15, 2008, the inaugural event will consist of a 70.3 mile journey that includes a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
The new Ironman 70.3 Kansas Triathlon will take place in Lawrence, Kansas just west of Kansas City. Ironman 70.3 Kansas will serve as one of 28 worldwide qualifying events for next year's Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla.
“I welcome the Ironman competition to the state of Kansas,” said Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius. “As athletes from around the world gather in Lawrence to demonstrate their extreme endurance they will experience firsthand the beautiful terrain of Kansas.”
The swim will be held in Clinton Lake. Water temperatures are expected to be 74-77 F. Following the swim, athletes will ride 56 miles through the rolling terrain of southwest Douglas County. The bike course covers a challenging course known to local cyclists as the “Iron-Cross.” The “Iron-Cross” consists of the intersecting county roads of 1023 and 458.
The bike course will offer long, flat stretches matched with steep, challenging hills.
"As the host city for Ironman 70.3 Kansas, Lawrence is pleased to welcome these world-class athletes and their supporters," said Lawrence Mayor, Sue Hack. “It is a tremendous opportunity for us to show the world what Lawrence, Kansas has to offer.”
Lawrence, Kansas is home of The University of Kansas and has hosted several national events recently such as the 2005-2007 National Collegiate Road Cycling Championships and the 2007 National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. Lawrence, located just west of Kansas City, MO, is know for its beautiful country roads and its wonderful Midwest hospitality. Major metropolitan cities within driving distance of Lawrence include Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO, Dallas, TX, Des Moines, IA and St. Louis, MO.
“I look forward to working on another great Ironman 70.3 race,” said Tom Ziebart, the Race Director of the new Ironman 70.3 Kansas. “This new race site in Lawrence is on-par with Ironman 70.3 Florida and the Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 in Michigan. It is a family friendly venue that will allow Midwest athletes another chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship 70.3.”
Athlete Check-in and the Expo will take place in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. There will be a professional prize purse of $25,000 and 50 qualifying slots for pro and age group athletes to the 2008 Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on November 8, 2008. Ironman 70.3 Kansas will also serve as the Ironman 70.3 Collegiate Championships and will invite University and College Triathlon Teams to compete for both individual, relay and team awards.
Registration for Ironman 70.3 Kansas will open on November 14, 2007 via the Ironman 70.3 Kansas official Web site, www.ironmankansas.com.
For more information on the Ironman 70.3 Series, visit www.ironman.com. For media-related inquiries about Ironman 70.3, please contact Blair LaHaye at [email protected] or Jessica Weidensall at [email protected].
