IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, today announced that registrations for IRONMAN Ireland, Cork 2019 are now sold out. Next year’s inaugural race will see 2,650 athletes take to the start line in Youghal, Co. Cork on June 23, 2019, making it the largest ever field for any triathlon in Ireland.
Athletes from 62 different countries will compete in Ireland’s first ever IRONMAN race, with 55% of all participants descending on the Emerald Isle from overseas. What’s more, the field will feature the highest contingent of USA athletes for any 2019 IRONMAN European race thus far, with 21% coming from across the Atlantic. Athletes will also be coming from countries such as Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Barbados, giving the race a truly-international feel.
“IRONMAN IRELAND gives the opportunity to promote not just East Cork but all that Cork has to offer. IRONMAN will showcase all that is great about Cork, our beautiful beaches, historic towns and world-renowned hospitality to a world-wide audience. But it will also be an example of our unique community spirit. IRONMAN is an international event but it is also a community event with hundreds of volunteers being a part of this experience. IRONMAN celebrates every athlete equally and it is this spirit that will make this event so special. It will demonstrate how we can work together, from businesses to emergency services to make this event a success for everyone and for everyone to feel a part of. This will be an event that invests in both people and place and I look forward to what will be an amazing experience.” noted Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy.
“Cork County Council is particularly proud to join forces with IRONMAN and bring Ireland’s first full IRONMAN to Ireland and to Cork. This has been one of their fastest selling events with global appeal. We will welcome competitors from all over the world bringing an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy. In fact, this race will feature more US athletes than any other European IRONMAN in 2019. Cork will be centre stage at one of the most prestigious worldwide sporting competitions with Youghal at the heart of the action. This is another example of how investment in East Cork is bringing real benefits to communities and businesses.” said Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council.
The race will get underway with a 3.8km (2.4-mile) swim with a rolling start from the golden and sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay, with a two-lap 180km (112-mile) bike course lying in wait. Beginning in the centre of Youghal town, athletes will take on the challenge of climbing up the famous Windmill Hill twice, which undoubtedly will also become a spectator hotspot.
The athletes will then encounter a combination of flat country roads and undulating coastal roads with magnificent sea views of Youghal Bay, Ballycotton Island and Cork Harbour. This breathtaking course goes around County Cork, into the town of Midleton (home to the famous Jameson Distillery) and will rise to a maximum elevation of 190m above the town before a technical drop back into Youghal. After tackling the bike course, the participants will embark on the 42km (26.2-mile) run course, the highlight of this new event. This will be a flat four-lap run course through the centre of the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Athletes will run under the arch of the Clock Gate Tower in the centre of town during each lap before finally running under the iconic IRONMAN finishing arch at Green Park.
Regional Director, UK & Ireland, Declan Byrne said “After a successful launch in June of this year with our partners in Cork County Council, we are delighted that the inaugural IRONMAN in Ireland has captured the imagination of the triathlon community from all over the world by selling out so quickly. We look forward to creating a truly iconic race on the IRONMAN global calendar and delivering an exceptional athlete experience in Youghal, Co. Cork in June 2019. This race will truly complement our existing 70.3 event in Dun Laoghaire creating a unique race series in Ireland”
IRONMAN Ireland, Cork offers 40 qualifying slots for the 2019 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i.
For more information on the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork, visit www.ironman.com/ireland.