Ironman 70.3 Texas Pre-race
First 70.3 U.S. Pro Championship goes Sunday
Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, formerly known as Ironman 70.3 Lone Star, takes place this Sunday April 25th 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 24th. Â 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)