Courtesy: event press release

Austin, Texas, one of the nation's triathlon hotbeds, will now host its own Ironman 70.3 event - the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The event, the final addition to the 2008 series, will serve as the first official qualifier for the 2009 Ironman World Championship taking place on November 14 in Clearwater, Florida.

Last year, Austin's Endorfun Sports presented the city's first long-distance triathlon as part of the Longhorn Triathlon Festival. Keith Jordan, Endorfun Sports owner and producer of the popular Timberman 70.3 in New Hampshire, comments, "With the official Ironman 70.3 designation, we expect the race to draw over 2,000 athletes from around the globe. We have already laid the groundwork with a very successful race in 2007, drawing more than 900 athletes from 38 states in addition to Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. This race will have the spirit of Austin and put our city on the world map as a destination and triathlon mecca."

The race showcases the best of Austin - from the rolling greenery of the Hill Country to the city's renowned live music scene. The 1.2 mile freshwater swim takes place in Decker Lake at Walter E. Long Park. The cycling course is a 56-mile, highly scenic path through Texas farmland, with views of sprawling ranches, wildlife, cedar-covered vistas and sunflower fields. On the half marathon run course, athletes discover why Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. Live, local bands provide a soundtrack as racers take on a two-loop course through Walter E. Long Park, along Decker Lake and through the Travis County Expo Center grounds.

In addition to the $25,000 professional prize purse, overall and age group winners receive locally-crafted limestone trophies. Once the race is over and winners have been determined, athletes and supporters kick back with a post-race party on Sunday evening. The event is supported by the City of Austin, Austin Sports Commission, Austin Parks & Recreation, Texas Department of Transportation and local law enforcement.

Local and regional volunteers will staff themed aid stations along the course, and vie for the "Best Aid Station" cash award. Many community and non-profit groups receive a donation for sending volunteers to the event. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact audra@endorfunsports.com.

For more information about the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin, or to sponsor the event, contact Claire Jordan at (512) 535-5224 or visit www.ironmanlonghorn.com.

Additional Ironman and 70.3 information can be obtained at www.ironman.com.