West Coast Ironman On The Way?

Central Oregon is one of the areas bidding to host an Ironman event starting in 2013.

The Central Oregon Visitors Association, Oregon Sports Authority and two Bend companies, local promoter Lay It Out Events and sports business consultant G2 Strategic, announced Wednesday that they have partnered to form a coalition to bid for Central Oregon to host a West Coast Ironman event starting in the fall of 2013.

The coalition will respond to a Request For Proposals issued by Tampa, Florida-based World Triathlon Corporation. The group must submit its proposal by January 31.

WTC currently owns, operates or produces over 90 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events worldwide, annually, on six continents and 30 countries.

While WTC offers several Ironman 70.3 events on the West Coast, they will add a full-distance Ironman staged in Washington, Oregon or California, where there are currently none.

WTC intends to award the event for a 5-year term.

“We are thrilled about the potential to bring an Ironman event to Central Oregon,” said COVA President & CEO Alana Hughson. “These athletes, sponsors and their traveling parties will fill our hotels, restaurants and other attractions,” said Hughson.

Read more: Ktvz.com

Check back to Triathlete.com as we continue to follow this developing story.