Courtesy: event press release

Several of the nation's best half iron-distance triathlons have joined forces to bring the triathlon world what it has been missing, a true qualifying half iron-distance championship. The annual U.S. Half Iron Triathlon Championship will debut September 25, 2004 in Kansas City, Missouri. The late season event allows triathletes to qualify throughout the season and then travel to Mid-America to test themselves against the very best long course athletes.

The event's organizers agreed that the virtue of a true championship is not only the victory of winning, but also the prestige and challenge of just qualifying. The goal was to organize qualifying events across the US and stage a "qualifiers only" championship in Mid-America, designed with the age-group athlete in mind. With eight qualifying races confirmed, more to be announced, the full endorsement of Triathlete magazine, and a partnership with Trisports.com that will provide up to $10,000 in gift certificate awards, it looks like the goal has been reached.

The Half Iron Championship fills a void felt in a long-course racing world where half iron-distance events now rival the popularity of the full iron-distance phenomenon.

"The half-iron distance is the hottest distance in the sport right now," said Jeremey Davis of the Georgia Rock N Roll Man Triathlon, "[and] we need to see a championship event. When you put in the time you want to see where you stand."

Championship organizers agree that the sport and its athletes need and deserve this Championship.

"[The Championship] allows for new venues and events to be produced for the benefit of the athlete. I believe in providing a platform for independent races to unite for the greater good of the sport," said President of HFP racing, Shannon Kurek.

Athletes around the country talented and lucky enough to earn those elusive qualify slots for Kona now have a wonderfully timed warm-up championship event. It's possible that many athletes will earn slots and participate in both events in the same year.

More importantly, athletes finishing in the top percent of their respective divisions and not fortunate enough to earn a Kona slot, can now turn their attention toward the US Half Iron Championship.

The new Championship also caters to athletes that have no intention of vying for a Kona slot.

"In my experience as a long course triathlete and event director, it seems many long course athletes prefer the half- distance," said Ultramax Events Mark Livesay. Phillips and White Lake Half Ironman Race Director Bill Scott echoed the sentiment, agreeing that Halfs open themselves to more people, providing a sense a accomplishment for athletes that can?t put their lives on hold to train for six months.

"Here is the championship alternative for those people," finished Livesay, who is also the Championship's Race Director.

After analyzing input from athletes across the nation, organizers decided to offer two ways to qualify for the Championship. First, athletes can earn a race slot at any Qualifying Event (events are listed below). Athletes must finish in the top 20% of their respective age group or weight class at those events. The second, and perhaps more difficult option is to race in any sanctioned half or full iron-distance event around the world, and finish within established, Boston marathon-like, age group qualifying times.

Age group results from dozens of half and full Iron-distance events across the country were studied and the specific qualifying times were developed from that data. The established times for both distances will be available on the US Half Iron Triathlon Championship website. www.ushalfchampionship.com

Athletes qualifying for and entering the championship event will receive complimentary "US Half Iron Triathlon Championship Qualifier" apparel. This same qualifying apparel will be made available to all qualifiers. In addition, all athletes that qualify at one of the selected qualifying events will be listed on a special section of the Championship website.

2004 Championship Qualifying Events (confirmed as of 1/6/2004)

MAY 2004 - White Lake Half Ironman - North Carolina
JUNE 2004 - Halfmax Triathlon - Missouri
JUNE 2004 - Georgia Rock 'N Roll Man - Georgia
JUNE 2004 - Pacific Crest Half Ironman Triathlon - Oregon
JULY 2004 - Spirit of Racine Triathlon - Wisconsin (formerly Dairyland Triathlon)
AUGUST 2004 - Great Buckeye Challenge - Ohio
AUGUST 2004 - Pigman Triathlon - Iowa
AUGUST 2004 - CATS Half Ironman - Arkansas
SEPTEMBER 2004 - US HALF IRON TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS
** Other Events TBA

For more specific event information, please contact the US Half Iron Triathlon Championship office at 573-443-7036 or e-mail [email protected]