‘Lance Effect’ drives Ironman 70.3 Honu sell-out

MEDIA RELEASE

A record number of athletes are now signed up to race June 2 alongside Lance Armstrong at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii (Honu).

General entry closed Feb. 13, leaving only Ironman Foundation and Lance Armstrong Foundation slots available; those last 65 slots sold Monday, marking the popular Big Island race as sold out.

This year will mark the largest field for the event yet, with numbers increasing from 1,865 in 2011, to 1,980 for this year.

In addition to the island’s tropical beauty and historical significance, this year there might have been another factor pushing Honu’s popularity: a force many have dubbed the “Lance Effect.”

Now that Honu is full, age-groupers have only a few more opportunities to sign up to race with the seven-time Tour de France champion: in Galveston, Texas on April 1, in Haines City, Florida on May 20, and in Nice, France on June 24.

In addition to Armstrong, pros currently signed up to race Honu include Greg Bennett, Luke McKenzie and Linsey Corbin. Armstrong’s fellow uber-biker, Chris Lieto, is also expected to race.

According to Honu race director Diana Bertsch, this year’s request for pro slots (22) has already surpassed last year’s total pro field (12).

With a swim in the clear blue waters of Hapuna Beach State Park on the Kohala Coast, a bike that follows the northern half of the famous Ironman World Championship course, and a run winding through peaceful resort grounds, this is an opportunity many athletes jump at to race on the Big Island.

Ironman 70.3 Honu will offer 30 Age Group qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Lake Las Vegas, Nev. in September, and 28 for the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kona on Oct. 13.

The professional prize purse in Honu totals $15,000.

— Find out more:

http://ironmanhonu.com/