IRONMAN Norway: 70.3 Haugesund moves to full distance for 2018

Regarded since its launch as one of the most secenic events on the calendar, IRONMAN 70.3 Haugesund in Norway will become a full-distance IRONMAN from 2018. Here are the full details

IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced today that IRONMAN® 70.3® Haugesund in Norway will become the first full-distance IRONMAN event in Norway, beginning in 2018. Originally introduced as an IRONMAN 70.3 event in 2012, IRONMAN Haugesund Norway will take its place. The race will be owned operated by WEN Events AS.

“This has been a bucket list race location for thousands of athletes from across Europe and the world,” said Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Managing Director for IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The enthusiasm for IRONMAN races in Norway and the neighboring Nordic countries is tremendous. The time is right for an IRONMAN triathlon in Norway.”

The addition of the new race now brings the number of full-distance IRONMAN events in the region to three: KMD IRONMAN Copenhagen, IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden and IRONMAN Haugesund Norway.

“An IRONMAN race has always been our goal. This is something the whole team has been looking forward to and we will work even harder to create a fantastic event that athletes will enjoy,” said Ivar Jacobsen, Race Director for IRONMAN Haugesund Norway.

Athletes will begin with a 3.8-km (2.4-mile) swim in the fresh water of Skeisvannet, just 1.5-km from the city center on a two-loop swim course. The 180-km (112-mile) bike course will lead the athletes through the scenic Haugesund region, passing picturesque mountains and stunning sea views. The 42.2-km (26.2-mile) run course will take athletes on a four-loop city-based tour flanked by cheering spectators before crossing the finish line at the famous harbor front.

“We are delighted to be given an opportunity to host the first full-distance IRONMAN event in Norway. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the athletes and IRONMAN for their support and encouragement over the past years,” said Arne-Christian Mohn, Mayor of Haugesund.

General registration for the 2018 IRONMAN Haugesund Norway will open at 4 p.m. local time on July 10th, 2017 at www.ironman.com/haugesund. Athlete inquiries may be directed to haugesund@ironman.com.

The race will offer 30 age-group qualifying slots for the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i.