Ironman 70.3 Texas Pre-race

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, formerly known as Ironman 70.3 Lone Star, takes place this Sunday April 25^th on historic Galveston Island, along the Texas Gulf Coast.

For the first time, professionals will compete for the new U.S. Pro title and $75 000 prize purse. Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Texas, will serve as title sponsor and official sports medicine provider.

The saltwater swim will be in the protected waters of the Offats Bayou, while the bike and run courses will be flat and scenic. A total of 50 slots for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be awarded to top age group and pro finishers.

“We are very excited to provide professionals with an enhanced prize purse and the chance to sport the title of Ironman 70.3 U.S. Pro Champion. The launch of this event allows us to further highlight our professional field, offering greater visibility and recognition for these athletes,” said Heather Fuhr, WTC’s Pro Athlete Liaison. “In addition, the timing is ideal as it provides pros with a event to test their early season fitness among a world-class field.”

The event also hosts the Lone Star Sprint and Olympic-distance events on Saturday April 24^th.  Live race coverage will be available at www.ironman.com

Check out the professional start list below.  With a flat course and some of the biggest names in the sport, we are bound to see some fast times on Sunday.

Pro Men

Andy Potts

Brandon Marsh

Brent Poulsen (CAN)

Bruno Clerbout

Bryan Rhodes

Chris Boudreaux

Chris Lieto

Daniel Bretscher

David Kahn

Dirk Heinze

Jeff Symonds (CAN)

Juan Carlos Ramirez

Matt White

Paul Amey

Richard Wygand

Richie Cunningham

Stephen Kilshaw

Terenzo Bozzone

Timothy O’Donnell

TJ Tollakson

Tyler Butterfield

Pro Women

Amanda Stevens

Andrea Fisher

Heather Leiggi

Jessica Meyers

Joanna Zeiger

Karen Mellier-Smith

Karin Thuerig

Kate Pallardy

Kelly Williamson

Kim Loeffler

Malaika Homo

Michellie Jones

Pip Taylor

Samantha McGlone (CAN)