Ironman turns 70.3 World Championships into two-day event, adds 200 slots for age-group women

The 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will be unlike any before it. Ironman has decided to split the race into a two day event, hosting the professional and age-group women’s race on Saturday, September 9th and the professional and age-group men’s race on the Sunday, September 10th.

“Having a two-day championship event provides us with an exciting opportunity to welcome even more athletes and to provide them the chance to experience a world championship event,” said Christopher Stadler, Ironman’s Chief Marketing Officer.

In a similar effort, Ironman split the pro fields at select North American races this year.

In addition to this format change, Ironman announced that they are adding 200 slots for age-group women at the 2017 70.3 World Championship. These additional slots will be utilized by Women For Tri, an initiative to welcome and empower new female triathletes to be part of the sport’s continued exponential growth, with 100% of the net proceeds from the registration revenue supporting their TriClub grants and collegiate scholarship funds.

“Ironman is meaningfully supporting Women For Tri Through the creation of 200 additional opportunities for the top female triathletes to compete and experience a world championship event with 100% of the net proceeds from those registrations going to the intiative,” said Cris Howard, a member of the Women For Tri Board of Advisors. “Last year, we were able to touch the lives of thousands of women who are new to the sport, trying to improve, or wanting to give back to the triathlon community, thanks to the grants and scholarships. These additional proceeds allow us to continue to expand the grant and scholarship program so our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends can share in the joy that a triathlon finish line brings.”

Known in the Southeastern U.S. as the Scenic City due to its proximity to Lookout Mountain, striking riverfront and vibrant downtown, Chattanooga lures athletes with its dramatic backdrop, idyllic weather and low-key southern charm. Already host to annual Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events, Chattanooga provides a fast course with a swim in the Tennessee River. Four bridges cross the river over the swim and a pedestrian Riverwalk runs along the entire swim course making it ideal for spectators. Chattanooga is full of attractions, eclectic dining spots and great places to stay.

With files from Ironman.com