September 30, 2008 (Tampa Bay, Florida) – Today, World Triathlon Corporation, owner and organizer of the Ironman Brand, announces the 2009 Ironman Lottery Program will officially open on Wednesday, October 1. Athletes interested in earning a slot through the Ironman Lottery must apply by Saturday, February 28, with all winning entries being announced on Wednesday, April 15.
A vision of Ironman Founder, John Collins, the Ironman Lottery began in 1983 as a way to provide athletes of all abilities the opportunity to qualify for the world’s most challenging endurance event. Today, the Ironman Lottery awards 150 domestic, 50 international and 5 physically challenged slots that are chosen randomly from more than 7,000 lottery entries.
Athletes who are part of Ironman’s Passport Club receive member benefits such as an increased chance to win a lottery slot. The club, beginning domestically in 1990, is now open to athletes from around the globe.
Participants gain entry into the Ford Ironman World Championship one of three ways: by qualifying for a slot at one of more than twenty events held worldwide, by winning a slot through Ironman’s charitable eBay Auction or by being selected in the Ironman Lottery. Recognized as one of the most in-demand athletic events in the world, nearly 60,000 athletes vie for one of 1,800 coveted slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship, taking place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, each year.
For more information or to register for the 2009 Ironman Lottery, visit Ironman.com.
About Ironman
Ironman Corporation is a Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and quality products. Supported by partners that include Ford Motor Company, Dell, Timex and Gatorade, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world. Ironman has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978 and is regarded as the world’s most challenging endurance event. Millions may remember moments in Ironman history such as Julie Moss’ crawl to the finish line in 1982, which was showcased on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. The Ironman brand has been featured in a range of media outlets to include NBC, CNN Headline News, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and USA Today.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
