U.S. Multi-Sport: National and International Events Forum

IRONMAN 70.3 GEELONG ATTRACTS RECORD FIELD

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:30:18 GMT

3 February 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

IRONMAN 70.3 GEELONG ATTRACTS RECORD FIELD

featuring 2x Ironman World Champion, Craig Alexander

Sunday 7 February 2010

This weekend, Geelong will play host to the Australian leg of the international Ironman 70.3 Series, as IMG present the third edition of Ironman 70.3 Geelong.

The event has attracted a record field of 1,150 individual and 100 team entrants, who will take on the challenge of a 1.9km swim, 90.1km ride and 21.1km run. Ironman 70.3 Geelong doubles as the final race of the popular 2009/10 Australian Half Ironman Series, and offers 50 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, held in Florida later this year.

The professional field has attracted 20 men and 15 women, and includes last year’s winner and reigning two-time Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, as well as defending women’s champion, Sam Warriner (NZ).

Alexander will arrive in Geelong on Friday, straight from a whirlwind trip to the US where he collected the prestigious Male Triathlete of the Year award for the second consecutive year.

Technically Alexander is in his “off-season”, having only just resumed training after successfully defending his Hawaii Ironman title in October last year, however he lines up this weekend as white hot favourite.

One of Alexander’s main challengers will be 2008 race champion, Leon Griffin. Griffin comes in to Sunday’s race in terrific shape, following an easy win at last weekend’s local sprint triathlon held in St Kilda. Forced to watch last year’s Ironman 70.3 Geelong from the sidelines due to injury, Griffin will be looking for redemption after finishing an unlucky ninth at the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Other athletes to look out for this weekend include Australia’s youngest Ironman champion Tim Berkel, currently leading the Half Ironman Series, and a host of rising talent such as Matty White, Christ Dmitrieff, Joshua Rix, Clayton Fettell and local Geelong hope, Richard Thompson.

In the women’s race, the focus will be on the re-match between Warriner and Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen. They were separated by just 18 seconds when Warriner crossed the line ahead of Steffen at last month’s Port of Tauranga Half Ironman; in 2009, Steffen finished third at Ironman Australia and fourth at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, and many believe that she can break through for a win in Geelong.

Other challengers include current Half Ironman Series leader Lisa Marangon, and long course specialists Nicole Ward, Ali Fitch, Amelia Pearson and Carrie Lester.

Late entrant Christie Sym (NSW) could well be the “dark horse” of the field; Sym emerged as a rising star when she finished second at her Ironman debut in Western Australia just two months ago. Previously, Sym was best known for her achievements in adventure racing. Sym is playing down her prospects this weekend, stating that she’s just excited to be racing alongside such world-class athletes as Warriner and Steffen, however if she is able to put together a strong swim, she is likely to be right in contention with her super bike-run combination.

The race starts at Eastern Beach at 7am on Sunday morning, with winners expected to finish shortly before 11am. There is a free Ironman 70.3 Expo showcasing the latest triathlon-related products and services, from 9am to 5pm Saturday and 7am to 3pm Sunday.

Visit www.ironmanoz703.com for further details, including a detailed race weekend schedule.

Professional Men
Professional Women

1. Craig Alexander
25. Samantha Warriner

2. Tim Berkel
26. Caroline Steffen

3. Leon Griffin
27. Christie Sym

4. Matty White
28. Ali Fitch

5. Paul Ambrose
29. Nicole Ward

7. Jason Shortis
30. Amelia Pearson

8. Chris Dmitrieff
31. Lisa Marangon

9. Jan Rehula
32. Abigail Bayley

10. Joshua Rix
33. Elly Franks

11. Stephen Hackett
34. Belinda Harrison

12. Ollie Whistler
35. Kirsten Molloy

13. Clayton Fettell
36. Rebecca Eveleigh

14. Peter Schokman
37. Carrie Lester

15. Adam Holborow
38. Jodie Scott

17. Richard Munro
39. Renee Nicholls

18. Michael Murphy

19. Alberto Perassi

20. Richard Thompson

21. Chris Waterhouse

22. Jason Crowther

Media Accreditation

Media wishing to cover Ironman 70.3 Geelong must apply for accreditation online (www.ironmanoz703.com). On approval of applications, a confirmation email will be sent with details for collection of your media pass.

For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Kate Patterson, Ironman Media & Communications, IMG

M 0404 872 991, E media@ironmanoz.com

LifeNets Triathlon adds new format for 2009

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:21:37 GMT

Mark your calendars for the 5th annual
LifeNets Triathlon.

This year, we have changed our format from a single day activity to a self-paced event to be completed over a 40 day time span. Our goal has always been to include athletes from all over North America in our triathlon. With this format, we can all participate at the same time on a nation-wide scale. This format also allows us to invite participants from all over the world to participate as many nations know of LifeNets and their good works around the world.

Many athletes have expressed their wish to participate in our triathlon but time and distances have prevented their attendance and support. This new format allows participants to enjoy a triathlon right in their own neighborhood while supporting the wonderful projects of LifeNets, without adding to the economic challenges we all are facing.

This fun event will begin on Sunday, July 26, 2009
And must be completed by Thursday, September 3, 2009
All data must be turned into LifeNets by 12:00 midnight on September 13th.

Divisions Include:

• Ultra Ironman: 10 mile swim, 52 mile run/walk, 220 mile bike
• Ironman: 5 mile swim, 26 mile run/walk, 110 mile bike
• Tinman: 3 mile swim, 13 mile run/walk, 55 mile bike
• Olympic: 2 mile swim, 6.3 mile run/walk (10k), 25 mile bike
• LifeSprint: 1 mile swim, 3.2 mile run/walk (5k), 15 mile bike
• MiniSprint: ½ mile swim, 2 mile run/walk, 10 mile bike

Entry Fee: $25.00/person

No commitment to category until the event is completed. At the end of 40 days, participant will tally total distances and submit to LifeNets for recording. LifeNets will, in return, email the participant confirmation of their recorded distances with their final category and award. (Please allow 4-6 weeks for mailing).

Event Rules:
• Event must be completed within the period, beginning Sunday, July 26, 2009, and ending Thursday, September 3, 2009.
• All final distances must be received in the LifeNets office by email no later than midnight, Sunday September 13th, 2009
• All emails must be sent to pam@lifenets.org for official recording.
• Competitors may engage in all activities at their own pace.
• Distances and times are accumulative and are not intended to be completed in one day. This is an athlete’s option.
• At the conclusion of the 40 day period, competitors level of achievement attained will be the determination of category completed and awards will be given for completion in that category of competition.
• One category per competitor only.
• ?Competitors will be asked to record their results on a weekly basis and forward them to pam@lifenets.org for recording.
• ?We will rely completely on the honor system for all competitors when recording their mileage totals.
• ?Mileage may be accumulated indoors or outdoors.
• All distances recorded must be completed within the 40 day period only.
• Any other cycling, swimming, or running events may be included in total mileage for this event, competitive or non competitive.
• Triathlon distances cannot be recorded during employment hours
• Competitors may blog their progress on the LifeNets web site at www.lifenets.org/mandantriathlon
• LifeNets is not responsible for any accidents or injuries incurred during any activities associated with this event.

We look forward to having you join us for our 5th annual triathlon. Thank you for helping us make it a nation wide event!!!

Race canceled due to wild fires

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:20:03 GMT

Event Organizers Cancel Race Due To Poor Air Quality We regret to inform you that we have been compelled to cancel today's Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon as a result of the significant wildfires in the Los Angeles area and resulting unsafe air quality. Pasadena Forward's decision was made in consultation with the Kaiser Permanente Medical Team and the City of Pasadena.
Please know that it was extremely difficult to arrive at this decision, and we know that this is a disappointing outcome for all of us who have worked so hard for this inaugural event. However, the only appropriate response to this emergent situation, given that the safety and well-being of our participants is at the forefront of our concerns, was to cancel.
Over the next several days, we will hold discussions to determine appropriate next steps. Once concrete plans have been developed, updates will be posted at www.pasadenamarathon.org. All registered participants will also be notified via email of all important updates.
Thank you for your support and patience as we work through this challenge. We hope you are safe and well.

Israel Estrada
Executive Director, Pasadena Forward

TRI-SPORTS.COM Desert Classic Duathlon

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:12:59 GMT

CONTACT:
Contact Person: John Lierle – Co-Race Director
Organization Name: Trisport.com Desert Classic Duathon
Voice Phone Number: (602) 953-3260
Cell Phone Number: (602) 625-1695
FAX Number: (602) 953-1779
Email Address: RaceDirector@DesertClassicDuathlon.com

Website URL: www.DesertClassicDuathlon.com

2009 TriSports.com Desert Classic Duathlon Race Date Announced

Phoenix, AZ, 9/24/2008 – Co-race director, John Lierle, recently announced that McDowell Mountain Regional Park will host the 12th annual TriSports.com Desert Classic Duathlon. The event, which consists of a 3.5 mile run, a 21 mile road bike course followed by a 2.7 mile run, will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday February 22, 2009 at McDowell Mountain Regional Park located just north of Fountain Hills, AZ. Multi-sport athletes from all over North America will travel to the park, which is operated by the Maricopa County Parks system, to compete in the run/bike/run endurance event.

TriSports.com, the nation's largest on-line supplier of multi-sport equipment, clothing and accessories, will serve as the title sponsor for the 2009 event continuing a partnership that goes back to 2005. The event will also feature a Juniors Duathlon (ages 15-19) that consists of a 1.5 mile run, 11 mile bike and a 1.5 mile run as well as a Kids Duathlon (ages 7-14) consisting of a ½ mile run, 5 mile bike and ½ mile run.

Lierle described the course as "A unique duathlon venue that combines smooth trail runs with a challenging road bike course through the majestic sonoran desert." "The Trisports.com Desert Classic Duathlon is a favorite of many professional triathletes who use the race as an early season test of their fitness." said Lierle. "The race also draws a very strong field of top age-group athletes from across the U.S. looking for a warm weather destination where they can race and vacation." Participants in the race have included IronMan 70.3 world champion Samantha McGlone, Olympic Gold Medalists Simon Whitfield & Kristin Armstrong & XTerra world champion Michael Tobin.

Participation in multi-sport events, like duathlon and triathlon, is booming in the United States. U.S.A. Triathlon, the national governing body for the sports of triathlon, duathlon, winter triathlon and aquathlon reports that membership has increased an average of 20% per year since 1997 with a 46% increase in 2006 alone.

The TriSports.com Desert Classic Duathlon raises money for youth education programs in the Maricopa County Parks system and is produced by the Phoenix Triathlon Club, whose members serve as the volunteers who put on the race.

TriSports.com, the events title sponsor, is a Tucson, AZ based company known as the online and retail triathlon shop, created for triathletes, by triathletes. TriSports.com carries the highest quality triathlon equipment, triathlon gear, triathlon apparel, and all of the hard to find necessities that every triathlete needs, including triathlon wetsuits, bike travel cases, aero race wheels, hydration systems, aero bars and triathlon-specific clothing.

For additional information on the TriSports.com Desert Classic Duathlon, contact Race Director John Lierle at RaceDirector@DesertClassicDuathlon.com or visit the race web site at www.DesertClassicDuathlon.com

To register for the race visit: http://desertclassicduathlon.com/registration.html

The Phoenix Triathlon Club, which has produced the duathlon for ten years, is a 501(c)4 not for profit organization and one of the largest multi-sport clubs in the United States with a membership that ranks in the top 4% of U.S. triathlon clubs. The club is a growing community of friendly and cohesive triathletes whose members are motivated through pride and team spirit striving to provide excellence in member experience.

-END-

--
John Lierle
14002 N. 51st. Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Home: (602) 953-3260
Cell: (602) 625-1695
JohnLierle@gmail.com

Greater Cleveland Triathlon

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:35:08 GMT

Race Director Mickey Rzymek puts on quite the event in Cleveland located in Mentor at Headlands Beach. You have a choice to do a sprint, olympic and 1/2 iron distance. And don't forget to bring the family because he also has a kids tri on Saturday from ages 7-14. The course is safe and very well marked. After your event the beach has plenty of room to hang out and just relax after your race. Highly recommended, get signed up and get this one on the books!

Freedom Run now in Clovis New Mexico

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:28:48 GMT

From the desert floor last month, Tom and Warren have been in higher elevations with extremely low temps. Through rugged mountains and high plains. In New Mexico they experienced winds up to 70 miles an hour. Check out the freedom Run site and follow along, an incredible effort.
www.usfreedomrun.com

Freedom Run Across America hits Phoenix

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:47:01 GMT

The freedom Run has reached the 500 mile mark in Phoenix AZ. Tom And Warren Knoll, the principle runners are making their way towards the New Mexico stateline. You can track the event by going to www.usfreedomrun.com and you can also donate to their cause through this website. The photo is with the Rotarec Club of 29 Palms, all the girls came out and ran a few miles with us. Go Freedom Run! Once we left town a sign read "Next Services 100 miles"

U.S. Freedom Run

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:44:00 GMT

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freedom Run Across America
Director of Communications
U.S. Multi-Sport Athletic Events, LTD
5317 S. Lake Drive
Cudahy, WI 53110
414.483.5412
414.483.5435 fax
info@USFreedomRun.com
www.USFreedomRun.com

For Immediate Release
_______________________________________________________________

Freedom Run Across America starts March 1st, 2008

The 2008 Freedom Run across America is dedicated to raising funds for the
Wounded Warrior Project, which assists wounded veterans and their families, the
Sunshine Foundation, which grants wishes to seriously ill and abused children, and the Challenged Athlete Foundation, which assists disabled athletes.

The run will be led by original 1978 Ironman Tom Knoll, now age 75, and his son, Warren, 44, who will both run 3,300 miles from coast to coast. Warren will also bike across the country, possibly marking the first time an individual has both run and biked cross-country in the same event. This will be Tom’s second cross-USA charity run. In 1983, Tom ran across the United States for the Sunshine Foundation in 64 days, averaging 46 miles per day.

The run will start at the San Diego, California Marine Corps Recruit Depot on March 1st, 2008 and finish at the Marine Corps Memorial in Washington, DC on July 4th, 2008. It will consist of 112 days of at least 30-mile runs.

Tom has completed 185 marathons and ultramarathons, some of which were 100 miles in length. In addition, he has completed nine 250-mile charity runs and one 500-mile charity run around the island of Okinawa for the Shriners and crippled children. He did a Labor Day 300-mile charity run in 3 days and 7 hours for Jerry Lewis and muscular dystrophy, raising over $25,000 in that one event.

Tom is well over the half-million dollar charity mark and expects to reach his lifetime goal of raising $1 million plus for charity with his 2008 cross-country run.

Tom spent 33 years in the Marine Corps, and is a Korea and Vietnam veteran. After 9/11, at the age of 70, he served in Afghanistan and Iraq for a government intelligence agency. Tom now teaches aboard Navy ships for Central Texas College and resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the author of the book, Why Not a Million?, which includes details on the conception of the Ironman Triathlon, the Okinawa and Jerry Lewis runs, and his 64-day USA run.

Warren has completed 40 marathons and is a second-generation Ironman, having completed Ironman triathlons in Wisconsin, Florida, St. Croix, and New Zealand. He is a writer for Triathlete Magazine.

In the 2008 Freedom Run, Tom and Warren will each run the 30-mile distance each day. Then Warren will be driven back to the day’s start and will bike the same distance.

Throughout the cross-USA run, runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair racers are encouraged to join in the run for whatever mileage they desire to do. Warren and Tom will do some public speaking on route to promote physical fitness among children, adults and senior citizens. They will also promote the March 2008 National Challenge of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness.

Denver Marathon 10/14/07 by Paul T

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:08:18 GMT

The Denver Marathon took place on Sunday, October 14th. The City of Denver boasts that it has 300 days of sunshine a year but unfortunately the odds weren’t in our favor on race day as it rained all day long with temperatures in the low forties. The race begins in a park in front of the State Capitol and winds through the city streets and parks. We ran right by Coors Field which would play host to a Rockies playoff victory that night. The course is fairly flat with a few rolling hills, and no, I did not feel any effects at all of “running at altitude”. The race is well supported with plenty of aid stations and police officers at all intersections. The race director also happens to be the race director of another marathon you may have heard of that takes place in Boston every April. We stayed at the host hotel – The Adams Mark – which was a great call. The hotel was located only a 5 minute walk from the start/finish line and also hosted the pre-race expo and pasta feed. I highly recommend staying there if you decide to do this race. For pizza, try the Wazee Supper Club located at the corner of 15th Street and Wazee Street. Great pizza made from scratch and a nice selection of malted beverages.

Freedom Run Across America

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:28:41 GMT