Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau: Celebrates 10th anniversary of Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon

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An inspirational event, a significant economic impact

An Ironman triathlon is one of the most grueling events in the world of sports, and is considered the most prestigious of ultra-distance triathlon events. For the tenth consecutive year, competitors at Ford Ironman Wisconsin began their Sunday (September 11th) in Madison, WI with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, followed by a 112-mile bike ride through Dane County’s rolling terrain and ending with running a full marathon (26.2 miles) in and around downtown Madison. Downtown Madison provided the unique backdrop for this event, as athletes finished their 140.6 mile journey directly in front of the stunning Wisconsin State Capitol building and the city’s highly touted Monona Terrace Convention Center.

“Dane County’s natural affinity to athletics and the community’s support and passion for sports makes it the perfect destination for the Ford Ironman Wisconsin event,” said Deb Archer, President and CEO of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “The community and volunteer support that we get for this event grows each year. It is an incredible experience to be on the course and see how passionate fan support can be for these inspirational athletes,” she added.

The Ford Ironman Wisconsin event is estimated to annually infuse Madison’s economy with over $2.3 Million in direct spending. Traditionally, the athletes along with family and friends start arriving days before the event and enthusiastically embrace the city enjoying the boutique shops, diverse restaurants and conveniently located hotels. In addition to the on site spending, many of the participants visit Madison and the region several times prior to the event to experience the swim, bike and run courses and become acclimated to the area.

The race began with a two-loop swim in Lake Monona in downtown Madison. The bike portion then took competitors 16 miles out of town before beginning the two-loops in rural Dane County, which included a hilly and challenging course that passed by the festival in Verona. Spectator support on the course was unparalleled. Athletes completed two loops through downtown Madison, the University of Wisconsin campus, Camp Randall Stadium, State Street and the scenic path alongside Lake Mendota, ending their marathon with one of the most recognizable Ironman finishes in the world in front of the Wisconsin state capitol. Athletes competed for 65 age group qualifying slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i, and a professional prize purse of $25,000.

This year, the Ford Ironman Wisconsin was held on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. More than 150 first responders took on the unique course, many racing in honor of the men and women who lost their lives during the tragic September 11 attacks on our country. In addition to special red BIBs and low BIB numbers (45-199), first responders had premier transition rack location, adjacent to the professionals. Organized by Captain Carl Gloede of Madison Police Department, Team 911 helped raised thousands of dollars for 9/11 related charities.