July 15, 2007 – While Timberman™ 70.3 has always been considered an age-grouper’s race, it has also attracted legendary pros such as Peter Reid and Karen Smyers with its scenic, challenging course and ideal timing. This year, Timberman™ 70.3 will draw an even larger number of pros by offering a $13,500 prize purse, a significant increase over the $4,000 purse of previous years.

Timberman™ 70.3 Race Director, Keith Jordan, says the decision felt natural, “We are excited to offer an enhanced prize offering to so many of the pro athletes who have shown their support to the Timberman™ 70.3. We appreciate their continued participation in the event, but also realize triathlon serves as a full-time career to many of them.”

Overall male and female winners will each receive $3,000, followed by $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, $500 for fourth and $250 for fifth place. Professional athletes will also be battling for two male and two female pro slots for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3, taking place on November 10, in Clearwater, FL.

Michael Lovato, who has earned a podium finish at Timberman™ 70.3 for the last three years, will take on Britain’s Simon Lessing, Canada’s Dave Harju and last year’s winner and course record holder, Bjorn Andersson of Sweden. Karen Smyers, who has won the women’s title twice, will be returning, along with Australia’s Kate Major. Making her Timberman™ 70.3 debut this year is Austin, TX, favorite, Desiree Ficker, who placed second at the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. More than 20 other pro athletes will join these top contenders, making this year’s field one of the strongest in Timberman™ 70.3 history.

In 2006, Timberman™ 70.3 became a qualifier for the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, FL. The 2007 Timberman™ 70.3 is scheduled for Sunday, August 19, in Gilford, NH. With a maximum capacity of 2,000 athletes, the race sold out in less than 3 months. In addition to offering pro slots to the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3, there will also be 71 slots available to age group athletes.

To learn more about Ironman 70.3, visit www.ironman.com. For more information on the upcoming Timberman™ 70.3, visit www.timbermantri.com or contact Claire Jordan at 603-293-8353.