[img:finisheriman2014.jpg]Lake Placid, adirondacks usa -  IRONMAN officials have announced that Lake Placid is among the short list of host cities being considered for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

The 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championships is a half Ironman distance competition that welcomes more than 4,500 athletes and their family and friends from over 60 countries.

Lake Placid has hosted the oldest full-distance Ironman event in the continental U.S. for 16 years. The World Championship 70.3 event, like Ironman Lake Placid, includes swim, bike and run components, but the duration of the races will be much different. Rather than a single-day event, the 70.3 World Championships run two days tentatively scheduled for Sept. 6-11, 2017, with the Women’s World Championship race held on Sept. 9 and the Men’s World Championship on Sept. 10. 

“This would be another premier Lake Placid event that would further our brand in the international world of sport,” said Ted Blazer, CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, which manages the Olympic venues in Lake Placid.  “We will be proud to host the Ironman World Championship 70.3 at our Olympic sites.” 

“The impact from this event will be felt throughout the entire North Country,” said James McKenna, president of the bid organization, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST).  “In addition to the global exposure, there will be direct impact as there are lodging commitments in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton Counties.”

Elected officials cite several potential benefits to the winning host region. “This event will provide tremendous global exposure for Lake Placid and the Adirondacks,” said Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall. “And with participants from more than 60 countries, it will evoke the international aura and spirit of excitement to rival that of 1980.” 

“The potential economic impact of this event is tremendous, as it could bring over 15,000 people from all over the world to the region for a significant amount of time. The scheduled events are six days, including two days for the race. Plus, it is not unusual for Europeans and other world travelers to spend more than a week in a destination. Ironman estimates a direct economic impact of $15.4 million,” said Roby Politi, Town of North Elba Supervisor. “And it will bring them here in a perfect calendar slot: the week after Labor Day.”    

“We look forward to hosting the site selection committee when they conduct a site tour in July,” added McKenna. “The competition is tough, but as a seasoned Ironman race host city, we think we have a very strong chance.”

ROOST will be notified in August 2015 if Lake Placid is selected as the the 2017 host city.  For more information about the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, please visit www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman-70.3/world-championship 

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2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Finalists: 

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Chattanooga, known throughout the Southeastern U.S. as the Scenic City with a vibrant downtown, lures athletes with its dramatic backdrop, idyllic weather and low-key southern charm. Host to 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 just 90 minutes from Atlanta and is full of attractions, eclectic dining spots and great places to stay. 

Lake Placid, New York – Having hosted two Olympic Games (1932 and 1980), this charming town knows how to deliver a world-class athletic event. Lake Placid, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, hosts IRONMAN Lake Placid, the longest-running American event aside from the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. 

Lake Placid has the amenities of a large city and the convenience of a small town, offering high-end restaurants, shopping and world-class accommodations. 

St. George, Utah – This striking Southwestern community currently hosts the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Pro Championship. St. George offers breathtaking scenery and views of the surrounding red rock canyons. The city's walkable downtown area offers great local fare and boutique shopping. St. George is also only two hours from the nightlife of Las Vegas, with its never-ending entertainment options.