Maytag Brand to Host IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The IRONMAN® Series has grown to be one of the most recognized endurance brands in the world and Maytag is proud to announce that it will serve as the title sponsor of the 10th annual IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead. The race combines swimming, biking and running, and requires its athletes to be both durable and dependable. Maytag is excited to be a part of such a demanding event and support athletes who understand the meaning of What's Inside Matters™.

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Maytag IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead, a qualifier for the 2013 IRONMAN World Championship 70.3, will take place in Benton Harbor, Mich., on Aug. 19, 2012. The event includes a 1.2-mile swim in beautiful Lake Michigan and a 56-mile bike ride through northern Berrien and eastern Van Buren counties, known as the "fruit belt." The race concludes with a 13.1-mile run through Harbor Shores' Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Maytag's headquarters' campus, finishing at Jean Klock Park.

"The commitment these athletes make is incredible," said Bill Beck, senior director of Maytag. "The same way we try to build our appliances, the athletes that participate in the IRONMAN events are tough and can seemingly withstand anything. They are perfect examples of what 'dependability' is all about."

More than 1,800 global athletes representing 11 countries from Australia, Europe and North America, including 23 Maytag employees, participated in last year's race. In addition, more than 150 employees helped staff two aid stations and volunteered with event registration and at the expo.

All participants and visitors are encouraged to join in local activities and volunteer for area events surrounding the race. The estimated economic impact from increased tourism and spending for the local community generated by the triathlon is $1.5 million. On top of that, The IRONMAN® Foundation generally brings between $15,000 - $20,000 in donation and grant money to local nonprofit organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Guests are invited to enjoy a weekend full of events celebrating the competition before the race officially kicks off on Sunday morning.

"We're proud to be a part of such a great event," Beck continued. "The IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead race contributes so much to this community and we're thrilled to have the Maytag name attached to something that inspiring and impactful. We look forward to helping out and giving back right here in our own backyard."

General Entry registration is now available for $275 and is open until the race sells out or registration closes.

For more information on the event and to register for the 2012 IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead, visit www.ironmansteelhead.com. Media inquiries about Maytag should be directed to Monica Teague at 269.923.7405 or [email protected] or Alicia Boltach at 212.931.6118 or [email protected]. Media inquiries on the event and the IRONMAN brand should be directed to [email protected].

About Maytag Brand
For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's enduring tradition of quality production and performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag brand appliances – including Maytag^® Maxima® front-load and Maytag^® Bravos^® top-load washers and dryers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2011, 68,000 employees, and 66 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com.

About IRONMAN
The iconic IRONMAN^® brand and event series is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since the inception of IRONMAN in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE^® by crossing finish lines at the world's most challenging endurance races. Recognized for excellence through distinguished events, world-class athletes and quality products, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and operator of IRONMAN, has grown from a single race to a global sensation with more than 180 events across five unique brands: IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3^®, 5150^™ Triathlon Series, Iron Girl^® and IronKids^®.  Supported by partners including Timex, PowerBar, K-Swiss and TYR, more than 200,000 athletes compete each season in the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.

SOURCE Maytag Brand