USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that the EagleMan Ironman 70.3 will host the 2008 USAT Elite Long Course Triathlon National Championship.
The event is set for June 8, 2008 in Cambridge, Md.
“We are excited about brining this championship to EagleMan,” said USAT National Events Director Jeff Dyrek. “EagleMan has a strong tradition and is under great race management with the Columbia Triathlon Association and race director Robert Vigorito.
“It is also an important step in USAT’s relationship with Ironman as we continue to work together to develop the sport.”
The course includes a swim in the Choptank River, a flat, scenic bike through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (home to the newest American Bald eagles), and a flat run. The temperature in June will be hot. The course will be challenging. Look for a possibly choppy swim, variable winds on the bike up to 30 mph and a run course that provides little shade.
The prize purse is $42,000, plus $200 Primes. New for 2008 is $5000 for New World Best Time and $2500 for a Race Course Record. The overall field is limited to 2,100.
The race will serve as a qualifier for Ford Ironman World Championships in Hawaii and Ford Ironman 70.3 Championships in Clearwater, Fla.
Registration opens August 2007 with an entry fee of $225.
This race closes out quickly every year (two weeks in 2007) and has world class level athletes in the professional and amateur & PC divisions. The 2007 elite winners were TJ Tollakson (3:46:28) and Natascha Badmann (4:08:18, in New World Best Time). It is arguably the top age group race in the 70.3 Ironman Race Series. One of the most common participant comments is that it is a large race that has maintained that special small, hometown feel. EagleMan has donated over $100,000 to local Cambridge Charities & Causes.
Other race perks include: the nation's best homestay program available, with the most friendly and caring families; Spinervals Pro Race Forum for top professionals to share their base of experience and knowledge with all attendees; a great EXPO
Find out more about EagleMan.