Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau: 9th annual Ford Ironman Wisconsin to be held Sunday, September 12

Contact: Kim Straka

608.772.7207 or kim@hypecomm.com

(Madison, WI) The 9th Annual Ford Ironman Wisconsin triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 12 in Madison and surrounding Dane County. Joining the Ford Ironman Wisconsin team for the second year as the local host entity is the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

“The GMCVB is excited to once again host this event,” states Deb Archer, President and CEO of the GMCVB. “Madison’s natural affinity to athletics and the community’s passion for sports makes it the perfect destination for this event.” The GMCVB is contracted to host the event through 2013.

Over 2,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete in the Madison event, as competitors will be vying for 72 qualifying spots to the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $30,000 pro prize purse. Joining the athletes are more than 3,000 volunteers who come year after year to support the event. According to the GMCVB the event brings approximately $2.3 million to the greater Madison area in estimated direct spending to the area’s economy.

What started as a challenge between a group of Navy Seals has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world, challenging athletes to a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. The Ford Ironman Wisconsin, already sold out, is one of 28 events (23 Ironman and five Ironman 70.3) throughout the world to qualify athletes for the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kona, Hawaii.

In the spirit of Ironman excitement, the Madison Active Sports Challenge (MASC) will be held on Saturday, September 11. It is a fun, kid’s run that goes around the Capitol Square followed by a festival on the Monona Terrace Rooftop. The MASC is free and promotes healthy lifestyles to children 18 and under. For more information go to http://www.masckids.com.

To learn more about the Ford Ironman Wisconsin visit http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com or http://www.visitmadison.com/visitors/ironman.

The GMCVB is the official destination manager and leader of Madison and Dane County. 2009 estimated Dane County Traveler Expenditures equaled over $1 Billion.