Wednesday, April 20, 2011 (Louisville, Ky.) – The Louisville Sports Commission and World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) today announced a five-year extension of their 2007 agreement to continue the Ford Ironman Louisville competition through 2016.

The fifth-annual Ford Ironman Louisville triathlon, the final year of the existing agreement, will take place on August 28, 2011, offering a $25,000 prize purse and 65 coveted 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship age-group slots.

“The Ironman is world class, representing the pre-eminent brand name in endurance competition,” said Louisville Sports Commission Executive Director Karl Schmitt. “Our community has a long and successful history of embracing major events and the Ironman is a perfect fit for us.”

“Louisville and Oldham County have worked tirelessly to make the event a success, bringing together the best of the community to welcome the Ironman athletes, volunteers, spectators and staff with unmatched southern hospitality and enthusiasm for our sport,” said Steve Meckfessel, chief operations officer for WTC. “We’re excited to continue our relationship with the Louisville Sports Commission and look forward to many more mutually-beneficial Ironman events together.”

Since the inaugural event in 2007, Louisville has hosted more than ten-thousand professional and amateur athletes, as well as thousands of spectators and volunteers. The world-class event not only brings a significant economic impact to the city but also aligns closely with Louisville’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles for its residents.

“The event provides some great entertainment for our citizens, whether you are watching the athletes in the morning light as they swim the Ohio or later in the day as they cross the finish line victorious.” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Even if you aren’t a sports fan, there is a reason to celebrate today’s news. The Ironman pumps $5.2 million in our economy each year – that translates to $26 million over the next five years.”

For the past five years, Louisville and its vibrant neighboring communities have been showcased in the scenic and challenging Ironman course. The swim takes place in the Ohio River, while the two-loop bike course leads athletes through Jefferson, Oldham and Henry Counties and the city of La Grange. The run winds its way past several of the city’s signature sites, including Old Louisville, the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs with a finish line celebration at Fourth Street Live! in downtown.

“I continue to be amazed every year at the athleticism of the participants who race against each other, and their own previous times, as well,” said Oldham County Judge Executive David Voegele. “Oldham County’s scenic hills and horse farms are a wonderful backdrop for riders who engage in this immense show of competition”.

The 140.6 mile event is comprised of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a full marathon run of 26.2 miles and is considered the largest Ironman competition in the world as more than 2700 competitors enter the water each year at the docks near the Brown-Forman Amphitheater at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville. The transitions to the bike and run take place on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.

“The Ironman participants have been a great addition to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year at Waterfront Park,” said David Karem, president of Waterfront Development Corporation. “This event takes full advantage of the tremendous natural resources and infrastructure this community has to offer along the Ohio River, and we are glad the Ironman will be coming back for another five years.”

The Sports & Social Club will serve as official sports pub and entertainment center and Fourth Steeet Live! will host the Ironman finish line . Among the local businesses stepping up to help with athletes’ needs are Louisville Water Company, that will keep competitors hydrated throughout the day; Norton Healthcare, that will handle the athlete recovery center.

"Louisville Water Company is pleased to partner with the Louisville Sports Commission and the World Triathlon Corporation to bring this international event back to our city," said Greg Heitzman, President and CEO of Louisville Water. "We're a lifeline to the region, providing an abundant, safe and great-tasting supply of water. We're proud to play a similar role in providing Louisville Pure Tap to the hundreds of athletes who will participate.

Norton Healthcare’s medical team oversees the athlete recovery center in the Kentucky International Convention Center and supports Ironman personnel in monitoring athletes during the course of the event.

“As Louisville’s leading health care provider, Norton Healthcare is proud to have been a local sponsor of the Ford Ironman Louisville competition since the event’s inception in August 2007, providing medical professionals and on-site medical services to the athletes” said Steve Heilman, M.D., system vice president and chief medical information officer for Norton Healthcare. “We recognize the importance and prestige of the Ironman for the Louisville community, and we are pleased to continue our support in 2011 so that participants can have a safe and rewarding experience as they compete in such a demanding and inspiring event."

Media-related inquiries should be directed to Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com or 813.918.3849 (M) or Karl Schmitt at kschmitt@louisvillesports.org or 502.587.7767 (O). For event information, visit www.ironmanlouisville.com.

About World Triathlon Corporation

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC’s portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 160 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.

About Louisville Sports Commission

The Louisville Sports Commission is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501-c (3) organization committed to creating a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on the City, enhance the image of the Louisville area as a premier sports destination, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information on the LSC is available at www.louisvillesports.org and on our Facebook fan page.