Ironman in New York at 2012 will be the most expensive triathlon in the world
Officials at World Triathlon Corp., Ironman's holding company, said they will have to spend “several million” dollars on permits, policing, medical staff and other race-related expenses for next year's endurance event.
“We are still in the process of receiving all bids and final contracts,” Steve Meckfessel, chief operating officer of World Triathlon, said in an interview. Company spokespersons said the 226,2-mile competition will be held in the New York metropolitan area on Aug. 11, 2012. Athletes will race through parts of New York and suburbs of New York and New Jersey.
In addition to permit fees, organizers plan to rent six barges that will be located on the Hudson River and used for the start of the 2,4-mile (3,86-kilometer) swim portion. A platform will also be built over the river so swimmers can exit the water and begin the 112-mile (180-kilometer) stretch. bike in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
The costs will surpass those of other Ironman events, such as the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and the European Championships in Frankfurt, Germany, Meckfessel said. The entry fee for a regular Ironman event is US$575. “You have to take $750 for granted,” Meckfessel said. “Most of our prices in the world are around US$600. It will be more than that.” The company hopes to have a corporate lead sponsor named before the race, said sales director Mike Pine. “Being in New York, there is a great opportunity with major sponsors that we couldn't attract previously,” he said. “Factors such as airlines, hotel chains, health insurance or even an alcoholic beverage partner come into play here.”
Registration for the race will open on June 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. Around 2.500 professional and amateur athletes will participate. “In the first year of a triathlon, you don't really know what can move the race,” said John Korff, president of Korff Enterprises, which will organize the race in association with World Triathlon. “The number of participants could grow to 2.800 or 3.200, or even 3.500.”
The Ironman New York race is organized in partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that helps fund programs and groups to combat poverty in New York. The goal is to raise US$250.000 this year for the work.
Source: larepublica.com.co
