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Ironman announced today the addition of the IRONMAN® 70.3®Colombo triathlon in Colombo, Sri Lanka which will be owned and operated by Pro-Am Serendib (Pvt) Ltd. The inaugural edition of the race will take place onFebruary 25, 2018.
The capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo embodies the country’s fascinating history and cosmopolitan character through its heritage, architecture, colonial buildings and historic landmarks with stunning high-rises and abundant shopping malls. This South Asian city offers a beautiful urban backdrop for the newest IRONMAN 70.3 added to the 2018 Asia calendar.
“We are excited about this announcement as we are expanding our portfolio of races – especially in South Asia where the number of IRONMAN athletes is growing every year,” said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director for IRONMAN Asia. “We have been looking for the right partner in South Asia and we look forward to working with Pro-Am Serendib (Pvt) Ltd. to organize a great race in Colombo.”
The event will take place in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city, beginning at the renowned Galle Face Green park with a one-loop 1.9-km swim through the warm and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The athletes will then progress to a well-paved, flat and fast three-loop 90-km bike course that will travel through Colombo’s City Centre and past the Old Parliament Building and the Port of Colombo, a historical harbour that stood as the center of ancient trading routes. The athletes will then run 21.1-km along the coastline with the unique opportunity to run on the historic Harbour Breakwater enjoying picturesque views of the Indian Ocean before returning back to Galle Face Green park.
February will be an ideal time of year to host the race with warm tropical weather conditions reaching 80 °F (27 °C). Athletes from all around the world will be greeted by hospitable locals cheering them along the race course.
“This announcement is the result of months of planning. I have been working closely with my team and IRONMAN in order to organize this new race within the highest global standards of IRONMAN,” said Rajan Thananayagam, General Manager of Pro-Am Serendib (Pvt) Ltd. “Athletes can expect an exceptional race experience as we deliver a world-class event in Colombo come February 2018.”
The 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo will be an age-group only race offering 30 qualifying slots for the 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
On top of the individual category, IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo will offer a relay team option, providing an opportunity for first timers to join the IRONMAN 70.3 race.
“I am pleased that the world-famous IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon series will be held in Sri Lanka next year,” said John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka. “IRONMAN is one of the world’s most iconic sporting brands, and the fact that Sri Lanka has been chosen to host this event is a great honor for the country.”
General registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, will open on Thursday 8 June, 2017, at www.ironman.com/colombo70.3. Athlete inquiries may be directed to colombo70.3@ironman.com.
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