WTC Announces Partnership with the United States Marine Corps

TAMPA, Fla., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), best known for its worldwide Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races, announced a new partnership with the United States Marine Corps (USMC).  The partnership will include the Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3 and the Marine Corps 5150 Lake Lanier, both set to take place on September 11, 2011, as well as the newly launched Marine Corps Primal Challenge, a Mudventure™ Quest event series.

"Since the inception of our first brand in 1978, we have had a special tie to the military and have shared in the common values of excellence, integrity and perseverance," said Mike Pine, Chief Sales Officer, WTC.  "We're honored to partner with the Marine Corps on events within the 70.3 and 5150 Triathlon Series that fall on such a significant day in our country's history, and the Primal Challenge Series, which is a natural fit as both of our brands inspire a competitive spirit and a dedication to pushing the limits to accomplish personal and team excellence.  The synergy between our two entities is undeniable and this partnership will enhance athlete experience across each of the brands it touches."

The Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3, taking place at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nev., and the Marine Corps 5150 Lake Lanier, taking place in Lake Lanier, Ga., offer a unique opportunity for WTC and the Marine Corps to partner together in honoring the fallen heroes of September 11.  The new home for the Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3, just minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, will lead approximately 1,700 domestic and international competitors on a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Las Vegas, a 56-mile bike through Lake Mead National Recreation Area and finally a 13.1-mile run through Henderson's scenic residential areas.  The Marine Corps 5150 Lake Lanier is part of the inaugural season of the 5150 Triathlon Series, the first non-drafting international race series of its kind, and will feature a swim in Lake Lanier, a bike through the gently rolling hills of Gwinnett and Hall counties and a run throughout the Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

"To be a Marine requires discipline, athleticism and a huge commitment to training," said First Lieutenant Bradley Motz.  "Participating in the events that WTC puts on each season requires the same characteristics and we're excited to be able to illustrate these shared values between our two organizations.  In addition to the Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3 and Marine Corps 5150 Lake Lanier events, we are eager for the first-ever Marine Corps Primal Challenge and know that our partnership will offer competitors an unmatched event experience with amazing obstacles and team building opportunities."

The new Marine Corps Primal Challenge Series motivates athletes to run, climb, crawl, slosh and jump over and under massive man-made obstacles, such as a cargo net tower that soars three stories above the ground. The Marine Corps will work hand-in-hand with WTC in the design and execution of the unique obstacle courses -- transforming the athletes who compete and overcome the incredible challenges into modern-day primal warriors. Charlotte, N.C., will host the inaugural Marine Corps Primal Challenge on September 16-18.  The second event in the 2011 series will take place on November 4-6 in Lake Wales, Fla., which is an hour east of Tampa and an hour south of Orlando.  

"We're excited to offer thrill seekers the Primal Challenge Series," said Kip Koelsch, director of Primal Challenge. "This is a new adventure for us and we know that the Marine Corps is the ideal partner on an event series of this caliber, offering participants a unique mud race experience that combines raw competition with camaraderie and celebration."

Registration for the inaugural Marine Corps Primal Challenge event will open today (June 22) at noon ET, at www.primalchallenge.com.  Athletes will be able to compete on Saturday, Sunday or both, and each day will wrap up with a Stone Age finish-line celebration.  The registration categories include Lone Wolf, a personal quest where competitors take on the course mano-a-mano, and an extensive team component, which sets the series apart from other mud races.  Clans (4 people) and Tribes (8 people) allow athletes an opportunity to share the challenge in four different divisions: Open (general public), Youth/College (ages 15-23), Military and Corporate. Teams may also compete in the Marine Corps Crucible Team Challenge that will combine scores from various Friday night challenges with finisher times from the Marine Corps Primal Challenge races on Saturday. All finishers will receive a Marine Corps Primal Challenge finisher pendant, and various awards will be given out for each race and category.  

For more information on the events listed above, visit www.ironmanvegas.com, www.5150lakelanier.com or www.primalchallenge.com.  Please direct media-related inquiries to [email protected].  All other inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

About World Triathlon Corporation

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids, which have a combined total of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.

About the United States Marine Corps

To earn our title is to take your place among warriors – but there is no easy way in.  For information about becoming a United States Marine, visit MARINES.com or call 1-800-MARINES. The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

SOURCE World Triathlon Corporation