DUBLIN IS SET to stage two Ironman triathlons over the next two years, it was announced today.
The event, a long-distance endurance race which consists of a 3.8km swim, 180.25km cycle and a 42.2km run, is the largest of its kind with over 200,000 athletes participating globally every year.
It will arrive in the Irish capital for the first time in August 2015 for Ironman 70.3 — a half triathlon — before a full-sized race in 2016.
“I’m delighted that Dublin will host an Ironman event for the next two years,” said Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar this afternoon.
“Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, and the Ironman brand is world-famous.Hosting this global event will boost Ireland’s reputation as an outdoor adventure destination, and showcase Dublin city and its mountains and scenic bay.
It will also be a boost to our efforts to get more people involved in sport, and grow the profile of triathlon in Ireland.”
Thomas Dieckhoff, CEO of Ironman Europe added: “We are extremely proud and excited to be expanding the Ironman European Tour to Ireland. Dublin has a heritage of hosting major sporting events and offers a perfect platform for Ironman.”
Full details of the race will be unveiled later this summer.
