Newest Full Ironman Will Be In Chattanooga

After weeks of speculation about a new Ironman in the southeast region of the United States, the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has announced the introduction of Ironman Chattanooga. The inaugural race will take place on Sept. 28, 2014 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“We selected Chattanooga as it is a beautiful city and a premier outdoor sports destination. We are thrilled to bring Ironman here and to partner with the city to deliver a top level event,” Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of Ironman, said in a statement.

Ironman Chattanooga will begin with a single-loop, 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River on a downstream course. The bike will be a two-loop, 56-mile course with scenic farmland and mountain views. The two-and-a-half loop 26.2-mile run course will showcase downtown Chattanooga, the South Side, Riverview and the North Shore. Ironman is saying athletes can expect “a fast, rolling course.”

The race will have a $25,000 professional prize purse and will be a P-2000 event. The race will offer 50 age group slots to the 2015 Ironman World Championship taking place on Oct. 10, 2015 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.