The Vikings take on Ironman 70.3

Maiden Ironman 70.3 to be held in Norway in July

Published: December 8, 2011 at 2:19 pm

The World Triathlon Corporation and WEN events have announced the launch of the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 event in Scandinavia, which will be hosted by the Norwegian city of Haugesund on July 8 2012.

Athletes will swim in the Skeisvatnet lake close to the city centre, then cycle a loop of Haugesund city centre before finishing off with a scenic run through the old town.

They will end their race at the finishing line located at the Inner Harbour in the centre of Haugesund.

“Norwegian athletes have been waiting for this moment for a long time. It’s a very special thing to be able to finish an IRONMAN 70.3 race in your home country”, said race director Ivar Jacobsen, an avid athlete himself who announced the race together with Stefan Petschnig, Executive Manager WTC Europe & South Africa and Kai Walter, WTC Managing Director Operations Europe. IRONMAN 70.3 Norway/Haugesund will be an Official Qualifier for the 2012 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas (USA).

Located 280 miles (456 kilometres) away from the country's capital Oslo on the western coast of Norway, Haugesund was separated from Torvastad as a town and municipality of its own in 1855. It has become famous as a city of culture and has hosted the Amanda Awards, Norway’s version of the Oscars, since 1985.

You can find more information at www.ironmanhaugesund.com.