Atlantic City to Host Ironman Race in 2016
Posted On: October 22, 2015 By :
Ironman has announced the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon, which will be staged September 18, 2016, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “We have been looking to expand in the Northeast region and are pleased to add the landmark location of Atlantic City to our Ironman 70.3 race series,” said Steve Meckfessel, managing director of global race operations for Ironman. “We are proud to offer this event in such an iconic East Coast destination that is sure to provide athletes and their supporters an unforgettable race experience.”
The Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City will begin with a 1.2-mile sheltered swim in the back bays of Atlantic City. From the shore, spectators will be able to view the entire swim course, which will be framed by the Atlantic City skyline. The single-loop 56-mile bike course will traverse through vineyards, state forests, riverside towns and a portion of the Atlantic City Expressway, which athletes will ride without traffic. The 13.1-mile run course will feature views of the Atlantic Ocean on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
“Hands-down, southern New Jersey in September, with its stunning backdrop of beaches, vineyards and forests, is the ideal location for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon,” said Stephen Del Monte, Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City race director and CEO of DelMoSports. “Located just an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City, this exceptional venue is an ultra-convenient East Coast destination for athletes, their family and friends.”
The Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon will offer age-group qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “As Atlantic City continues to diversify and attract high-profile sporting events to our city year-round, the Atlantic City Sports Commission is thrilled to announce our partnership with Ironman. Athletes from around the world will have the rare opportunity to compete throughout our beautiful seaside resort,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC and the Atlantic City Sports Commission.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation has been named the official charity partner of the race. As a partner of the inaugural event, MMRF will send a team of up to 100 athletes through its “Team for Cures” endurance training and fundraising program.
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