South Florida to Play Host to Ironman Competition
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is coming to Miami-Dade County in 2010, potentially giving a $15 million boost to the local economy.
This week, event organizer World Triathlon Corporation, announced that Miami would host the inaugural event Oct. 30, 2010.
The Ironman 70.3 (mile) triathlon is coming to Miami-Dade County in 2010, potentially giving a $15 million boost to the local economy.
Part of the race course will pass along the western boundary of Palmetto Bay, as well as the neighboring communities of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay, as contestants pedal their bikes along the South Dade Busway.
The Ironman 70.3 Miami will consist of athletes completing a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.
The race is limited to 2,000 participants with the top 50 earning qualifying slots in the 2011 Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, FL. In addition, there is a cash prize purse of $36,000 for distribution among the top male and female professional finishers.
Local race coordinators and politicians hope the event will draw several thousand national and international visitors.
According to one city of Miami commissioner, “It’s quite a coup for the city of Miami to land a race of this magnitude. This 70-plus-mile-long race will bring some of the greatest athletes in the world to our community, and could be a major boost to our economy.”
Two other triathlons currently call Miami home – the Publix “Escape to Miami” race and the Miami Man Triathlon. Both pale in recognition and sponsorship to the Ironman franchise made famous by the annual Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
Jennifer Mitzenmacher, spokeswoman for Ironman 70.3 Miami, said the race will begin and end at Bayfront Park. The registration fee is $250 until Dec. 1, and $275 after that. She expects about 6,000 visitors, including race participants, to be in Miami for the event. Taking into account various expenses – including the cost of food, airfare, car rental, and souvenirs – the event is expected to have an impact of about $12 million and $15 million, Mitzenmacher said.
According to Mitzenmacher, Miami is the perfect place for this type of event. “It’s Miami. It’s got good weather and a variety of cultures,” Mitzenmacher said. “Why not bring more quality events?”
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