Lottery for 70.3 Paratriathletes

The World Triathlon Corporation announced today that they have opened up a lottery for paratriathletes who wish to compete in the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Also new this year, the Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3 and Ironman 70.3 Antwerp events will serve as official 70.3 World Championship qualifiers for handcycle (HC) athletes. Each race will include 3 slots; 2 for males and 1 for females. Both the lottery and handcycle qualifying opportunities are consistent with programs in place for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

“Given the growth of the 70.3 Series and participation by the paratriathlete community, Ironman recognizes the need to implement a Paratriathlon Lottery for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3,” said Joanna Meyers, event director. “This program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offer more opportunities to paratriathletes.”

Athlete selection for the lottery program will come from applicants worldwide who fit one of Ironman’s official paratriathlon competition categories:

• Lower Extremity – This includes above or below-the-knee amputees, in which a standard bicycle is used, and run with prosthesis or crutches.

• Wheelchair One – This division consists of single above-the-knee amputees or below-the-knee amputees who ride a standard bicycle, but use a racing wheelchair on the run.

• Wheelchair Two – This division consists of athletes who have double above-the-knee or below-the-knee amputation. These athletes ride a standard bicycle and use a racing wheelchair on the run.

• Upper Extremity – This is an athlete who has one arm or both arm(s) amputated above or below the elbow, in which they will use prosthesis on the bike.

• Visually Impaired – This is for athletes who are legally blind, 20/200 with best-corrected vision and require a guide throughout the race.

The Lottery is now open and all those interested must apply by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Saturday, May 15, with five winning entries being announced on Thursday, June 1, at noon EDT. The cost to enter the Paratriathlon Lottery is $30 USD.

Visit here to register or for more details.