New Race Venue Announced for Ironman 70.3 Florida
May's Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon will no longer take place on the Walt Disney World grounds.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has announced that May’s Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon will no longer take place on the Walt Disney World grounds.
See the complete press release below:
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) today announced a new race venue for one of its signature Ironman 70.3 events, Ironman 70.3 Florida. Beginning in 2012, the race will take place in Haines City, Fla., just minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando attractions.
“We are very excited about the new venue,” said Tom Ziebart, Race Director for Ironman 70.3 Florida. “This site in Polk County is in close proximity to Orlando and Tampa and allows us to keep growing the event while ensuring that each of the new swim, bike and run courses are athlete and spectator friendly,” continued Ziebart. “We look forward to working with Haines City and Polk County as we create a wonderful new course for the 2012 Ironman 70.3 Florida.”
Ironman 70.3 Florida, scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012, leads athletes along a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run on a course that utilizes a variety of eastern Polk County’s scenic areas. The one-loop swim takes place in Lake Eva with the bike and run course traveling through Haines City, finishing at Lake Eva Park.
“Polk County is very happy to have the opportunity to host Ironman 70.3 Florida,” said Mark Jackson, Director of Tourism & Sports Marketing for Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing. “We know that the competitors and their families will not only enjoy Lake Eva Park as the main venue, but also our family friendly destination including LEGOLAND Florida, Fantasy of Flight, and Bok Tower Gardens. As a host for hundreds of sporting events, Polk County always welcomes our visitors with open arms.”
One of nearly 60 events in the Ironman 70.3 Series, Ironman 70.3 Florida offers a professional prize purse of $15,000. Athletes will also compete for 30 coveted age group qualifying slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship 70.3, taking place on Sept. 9 at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nev.
For additional information on the event, please visit Floridahalfironman.com.