Ford Ironman Louisville Triathlon | Greater Louisville Sports Commission

Happy Visitors

I wanted to thank the citizens of Louisville for a fine experience.

My husband and I participated in Ironman Louisville and were delighted at the reception we received in your fine town. Before, during and after the race, we were greeted and welcomed warmly, and during the race the encouragement and cheerfulness of the spectators, including those in the fine town of LaGrange, were wonderful.

I can't say I've had such a nice experience with so many enthusiastic volunteers and onlookers. I'm left with a fondness for your beautiful and interesting city, not just because it was the site of my first Ironman race, but because of how wonderfully I was treated.

Thank you so much for your hospitality.

Misty Pilgrim
Rio Rancho, N.M.
Printed in the Louisville Courier-Journal 9/04/07

First of all, congratulations on your Ironman race. I was a first time participant as well, and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Personally, I thought it was incredible. I also had two friends in town, both with multiple Ironman races under their belt, including Canada and Hawaii. They both felt the same as me and my friend (Chad Hon from Mobile, Al) who has done 10, said that this was the hardest one he has ever done. Puts another exclamation point on your accomplishment.

I think that it is incredible that you guys landed this event, would like to see it here for longer than the original 5 years, and want to play my part to see that it happens.

Thanks for your time, and all your efforts at GLSC.

Charlie Mercer

I have nothing but good things to say about the race and the community, and it is easy to see why Louisville was chosen as an Ironman site. I think it will do great things for the community.

Again, I was very impressed.

Paul Bakeman

It was a great race. For a first time race, it was. I've become a big fan of the area. Good swim in the Ohio River. The bike course was surprisingly challenging (tons and tons of rolling hills), but beautiful. You forget what green looks like, by living in California.

It was a nice, flat run course.....but very hot and humid. The finish was like a rock concert in downtown Louisville. What a way to finish the race!

...Congrats on a great event and to you for completing your first Ironman!

Katie Anderson

IRONMAN distances: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run.
Event will be run by IRONMAN. With them as the brand holder, they will bring in their PR, Marketing and Operations army.
1 hour ESPN show each year six weeks out on Louisville and the event.
8 ½ hours internationally on ESPN International and VERSUS.
12,000 room nights for up to a week for five years.
Economic impact $10-15 million.
Finish line at 4 th St. Live.
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2007 beginning at Great Lawn. Swim will be in the Ohio River ; Cycle will go out to LaGrange and back twice; RUN is TBD.
Slots in Louisville will be available for participants to compete in Kona at the original IRONMAN, which will attract the big-time players.
$100,000 prize purse.
Globally, more than one billion media impressions are garnered with the IRONMAN brand, including Ford, Dell, Gatorade, WalMart, Timex.
The IRONMAN Timex is the world's No. 1 selling watch.
IRONMAN publicity has been placed in outlets such as People , USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, CNN Headline News, ESPN, NBC, Oprah, VERSUS and The Weather Channel.
IRONMAN is the No. l sports brand in the world.
IRONMAN LOUISVILLE is perhaps the biggest amateur sporting event to come to Kentucky .
Five-year commitment by the GLSC and IRONMAN.