Ironman announced today the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon, which will take place on September 18, 2016, in the scenic and exciting southern New Jersey destination.
“We have been looking to expand in the North East region and are pleased to add the landmark location of Atlantic City to our Ironman 70.3 race series,” said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for Ironman. “We are proud to offer this event in such an iconic East Coast destination that is sure to provide athletes and their supporters an unforgettable race experience.”
The Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon begins with a 1.2-mile sheltered swim in the beautiful back bays of Atlantic City. From the shore, spectators will be able to view the entire swim course, which will be framed by the Atlantic City skyline. The single-loop 56-mile bike course is flat and fast through vineyards, state forests, riverside towns and a portion of the Atlantic City Expressway, which athletes will ride without traffic (and toll-free!). Finally, the 13.1-mile run course features striking views of the Atlantic Ocean on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, a one-of-a-kind race experience for both athletes and spectators.
“Hands-down, southern New Jersey in September, with its stunning backdrop of beaches, vineyards and forests, is the ideal location for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon,” said Stephen Del Monte, Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City Race Director and CEO DelMoSports. “Located just an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City, this exceptional venue is an ultra-convenient East Coast destination for athletes, their family and friends.”
Located in southern New Jersey, Atlantic City is a bustling and invigorating location known around the world for its casinos, boardwalk and beach. Its mix of modern accommodations and natural beauty is sure to please and entertain visitors from all walks of life. The Atlantic City Boardwalk, part of the Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City run course, stretches nearly four miles up the coast and hosts a variety of restaurants and shops. It also served as the inspiration for the iconic board game, Monopoly. Atlantic City is famous for hosting the Miss America Pageant, held annually in early September, along with a variety of other concerts and events.
“As Atlantic City continues to diversify and attract high-profile sporting events to our city year round, the Atlantic City Sports Commission is thrilled to announce our partnership with Ironman. Athletes from around the world will have the rare opportunity to compete throughout our beautiful seaside resort,” said Jim Wood, President and CEO of Meet AC and the Atlantic City Sports Commission.
The Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon will offer age-group qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, recently announced to be taking place in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) has been named the Official Charity Partner of the 2016 Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City triathlon. As the Official Charity Partner of the inaugural event, MMRF will send a team of up to 100 athletes through their “Team for Cures” endurance training and fundraising program. The program participants will raise funds to accelerate the development of next generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend patients’ lives, and lead to a cure. The MMRF-Ironman partnership further establishes the bold leadership position of the MMRF in the category of premier endurance sporting events.
“The MMRF is a game-changing organization that, with the help of its visionary partners, has transformed the way cancer research is done,” said Alicia O’Neill, MMRF Director Partnerships and Business Development. “We are thrilled to expand our successful partnership with Ironman, and look forward to providing the same incredible MMRF team experience in Atlantic City that we currently do at Ironman 70.3 Arizona and Ironman Lake Placid, where we are the Official Charity Partner."
General registration for Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City will open November 2, 2015 at www.ironman.com/atlanticcity70.3.
