IRONMAN and Latin Sports announces a new triathlon in Brazil “IRONMAN Fortaleza

IRONMAN and Latin Sports today announced the addition of a new triathlon in Brazil “IRONMAN Fortaleza. IRONMAN Fortaleza will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2014. Online registration opens October 1, 2013, at 12 p.m. (ET)/1:00 p.m. (BRT).

IRONMAN has been successful in the region for 15 years with IRONMAN Brazil and we are thrilled to add a second race to South America, where the sport of triathlon is thriving,” said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for IRONMAN. “Fortaleza provides a perfect setting for an IRONMAN triathlon and we look forward to a great first year in 2014.”

One of more than 30 events in the global IRONMAN Series, IRONMAN Fortaleza will lead athletes through a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run through the sites of historic Fortaleza. The one lap swim will take place at beautiful Iracema Beach. The two-lap bike will start from the Marina Park Hotel and travels along the highway passing by the cities Eusébio and Aquiraz and also Beach Park, the largest water park of Latin America. The run course travels through the palm tree lined streets of Fortaleza and provides sea side scenic views.

“The number of triathletes in Brazil is growing fast and it’s an honor to receive an event such as IRONMAN in Fortaleza. The city presents all requirements to not only attend but also surpass athletes’ expectations,” said João Salmito Filho, Fortaleza Municipal Secretary of Tourism. “We have all the requisites in terms of infrastructure to host an  event  of  this  magnitude and certainly we will provide a unique experience for athletes, family and thousands of spectators during the five-day event schedule. We believe that IRONMAN Fortaleza will bring a significant and positive economic impact to the city.”

More than 1,500 participants are expected for the inaugural event in 2014. IRONMAN Fortaleza offers a professional prize purse of $75,000 and 50 coveted age-group slots to the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, HI.