Ironman announced today the addition of a new race in Korea - Ironman 70.3 Chungju. The inaugural race will take place on Sunday, August 14, 2016.
“We are excited by the continued growth of the sport in Korea,” said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director for Ironman Asia. “Triathlon has been embraced throughout Asia – and in particular Korea – where we now have thousands of athletes racing with us. It has been exciting to watch the sport expand in this area of the world.”
Chungju, which means “centre” in Korean, sits in the middle of two rivers and is surrounded by mountains. Its unique location will present athletes with a challenging and picturesque course.
The swim will be in Tangeum Lake, the international standard regatta course that was home to the 2013 World Rowing Championship, and will be followed by a one-loop bike course over varied terrain. The run leg will take place alongside and above Tangeum Lake as the three-loop course guides athletes over the broadcast pontoon built for the World Rowing Championship. Competitors will then cross the finish line in front of the lakeside grandstands.
“This venue has huge potential, and we would like this to be the next Korean city to host a full distance Ironman,” said Event Director Park Byung Hoon.
Ironman 70.3 Chungju will offer a $15,000 USD professional prize purse and 30 age-group qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA.
