THE WOODLANDS, Texas (May 13, 2011) – World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is gearing up for the inaugural 2011 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, in The Woodlands. More than 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in the state’s first ultra-distance event.
Saturday’s race will not only bring an impressive pro lineup featuring well-known athletes in the field like Americans Chris Lieto and Linsey Corbin, but also a list of age-group competitors with a range of backgrounds and experiences, offering spectators an incredible look into the sport. While Texas is the most represented state in the race, there are athletes from 47 other states and 33 countries from around the world, ranging in age from 18 to 70.
WTC has been working closely with title sponsor Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau to make sure that the inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas is one to remember. Over the course of 17 hours, athletes will test their physical and mental limits as they race through The Woodlands and will rely on spectators and local residents to cheer them on along their journey to the finish line. Cheer zones will be set up throughout the course and parking is available near the swim start and in several parking garages at Waterway Avenue and Lake Robbins Drive.
In addition to the actual race, WTC hosts a world-class event expo at the Ironman Village in the northeast parking lot of The Woodlands Town Center. All athletes, residents and visitors are invited to stop by on Wednesday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a special Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Pre-Race Press Conference that is open to the public at the same location on Thursday, May 19, at 11 a.m., featuring top professional competitors and local athletes.
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas offers a total professional prize purse of $100,000 and 75 age group qualifying slots for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship, to be held on Oct. 8 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. Additional information about the race, including a map of the official course and parking details, can be found at www.ironmantexas.com
Media inquiries can be directed to Jessica@ironman.com or Shelby.Tuttle@ironman.com
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About Memorial Hermann
An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann’s 11 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including a level 1 trauma center, a hospital for children and a rehabilitation hospital, as well as three heart & vascular institute locations and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates an air ambulance, cancer, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a wellness center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. To learn more, visit www.memorialhermann.org, or call 713.222.CARE.
About World Triathlon Corporation
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.
About The Woodlands
Located just 30 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands is an emerging destination for leisure guests, individual business travelers and groups of all sizes. Visitors to The Woodlands enjoy more than 5 million square feet of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options, more than 185 miles of hike-and-bike trails, the 1,700-acre Mitchell Preserve, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which is in the top 5 of outdoor amphitheatres in the world, and kayaking on The Woodlands Waterway, Lake Woodlands and 115 parks. The Woodlands features world-class golf and was the home of the Shell Houston Open for 17 years. The Woodlands also is home to more than 1,400 guestrooms in upscale and boutique properties, select service, limited service, conference and convention centers and a resort. For more information on The Woodlands, visit www.VisitTheWoodlands.com or www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands.
About The Woodlands Township
Located 30 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas, The Woodlands Township is the local government for one of the country’s leading master-planned communities. This 28,000-acre residential and commercial development is home to nearly 100,000 residents, more than 2,500 businesses, 185 miles of hike and bike paths, 121 parks and millions of square feet of shopping, dining, entertainment venues and commercial office space. The Woodlands Township is committed to supporting the highest quality of life for its residents, businesses and visitors.
For more information about The Woodlands Township, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.