Ironman Race Coming To St George

St George will host the World Triathlon Corporation's newest Ironman event. Here's part of the official announcement:

Taking place on May 1, 2010, the event will consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. The inaugural Ford Ironman St. George will utilize a variety of Utah’s scenery, to include Sand Hollow Reservoir, Snow Canyon and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.

It will be a qualifying even for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Examiner.com offers more details in this report. Below are excerpts.

Triathletes will swim one loop in the Sand Hollow Reservoir, then take to a bike course that runs through the towns of Hurricane and Washington before following a route into St. George. On the bike racers will be able to check out views of Snow Canyon. With a transition in St. George's Town Square, the racers will start the two-loop marathon course which includes a climb toward Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a wind through Pioneer Park, traversing along Diagonal Street and more. The finish line features a backdrop of downtown St. George alongside Heritage Tower.

"Ironman is the world's premier endurance event and we think it is perfectly suited for St. George. The determination and tenacity demonstrated by Ironman athletes resembles the fortitude of the early settlers in this area and the spirit our residents. The course highlights the striking scenery and contrasting landscapes. We are thrilled to offer athletes and fans an experience they are sure to remember," stated Kevin Lewis, Sports & Events Director, St. George Area Convention and Tourism Office.