1,500 additional athletes are expected to compete over the IRONMAN weekend in Cork next year, with the announcement this week of the addition of IRONMAN® 70.3® Ireland, Cork on August 14, 2021.
The race joins the existing IRONMAN Ireland, Cork on August 15, 2021 and together, they will form Ireland’s biggest triathlon weekend, which also includes an IRONKIDS® event on Friday, August 13.
Last year, IRONMAN Ireland, Cork had an estimated impact of €6.32 million on the region, with the addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland set to swell that figure.
It will be the first time in Irish triathlon history that three events by the IRONMAN Group will be hosted on the same weekend.
The inaugural IRONMAN Ireland, Cork event took place in June 2019 – the date has since shifted to August.
Noting the success of the inaugural event in Youghal last year, Regional Director IRONMAN UK & Ireland, Declan Byrne said: “Cork and Youghal hold a special place in our hearts ever since the inaugural edition of IRONMAN Ireland, Cork in 2019. It was a race you had to be there to believe.
“People didn’t seem to care about the adverse weather conditions – they were out in the street, celebrating, cheering on the athletes and bringing each and every one of them home to the finish line.
“If there is one place on earth that deserves a massive triathlon festival, it is this one. We are extremely thankful to return to this community on a new date and with an additional event delivering a huge tourism and economic boost to the area.”
70.3 EVENT
IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork will feature a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim combined with a 90.1km (56-mile) breath-taking bike route that heads straight out into the rolling Irish countryside with a combination of flat and undulating roads with magnificent views.
The course takes athletes through the scenic East Ferry, through the town of Midleton – home to the famous Jameson Distillery – into the buzzing town centre of Youghal, and up the infamous Windmill Hill, a spectator hotspot.
The 21.1km (13.1-mile) flat and fast run course finishes in the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Both events will share the same iconic finish line in bustling Market Square.
‘HIDDEN GEM’
Mayor of the County of Cork Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley said, “Both as Mayor of the County of Cork and a proud Youghal resident, I am particularly thrilled to welcome these fantastic athletes and their supporters to my East Cork hometown.
“I have known all my life what a hidden gem Youghal and East Cork are and the addition of the IRONMAN 70.3 with this festival weekend will showcase the best that we have to offer on a worldwide stage.
“In 2019, Youghal and East Cork showcased the true meaning of community spirit and all athletes and their supporters can look forward to the same community spirit in August 2021 and during their training visits beforehand.”
REGISTRATION
General registration for IRONMAN Ireland, Cork opened earlier this week on Tuesday 16th at www.ironman.com/im703-ireland. Athlete inquiries may be directed to ireland70.3@ironman.com
