Published March 24, 2011 08:29AM
Michael and Andreas Raelert could receive the largest-ever bonus awarded in Ironman’s 33-year history, putting the payout in the range of such prestigious events as both Wimbledon and the Masters.
Inspired by the vision of professional triathlete Michael Raelert, California sports company K-Swiss will take its triathlon commitment to a new level surrounding the Ironman World Championship on October 8, 2011. Raelert has vowed to successfully cross the finish line in tandem with his brother Andreas Raelert in an effort to take first and second place in the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run in Kona,Hawaii. In response, the company’s CEO has pledged to award $1 million to the duo if they successfully meet the challenge.
The bonus would mark the largest sum ever awarded in the competition’s 33-year history, putting the payout in the range of such prestigious events as both Wimbledon and the Masters.
The German-born Raelert brothers, just four years apart in age, currently stand as two of the world’s leading triathletes. Both are reigning champions: Michael is the back-to-back 2009 and 2010 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and Andreas is the 2010 Ironman European Champion. However, Michael has never raced in Kona, or any race Andreas has entered out of admiration for his older brother. Inspired by this kinship and dedication that defines the sport of triathlon, K-Swiss is pledging to help push the envelope in the sport by launching this once-in-a-lifetime challenge to reward the athleticism and drive that is relatively unrecognized in the sports world.
Read More: PR Newswire