Austin,Texas, often considered one of the hot-spots for triathlon in the U.S., has never hosted a long-course race. On October 6-7, 2007, history will be made at Walter E. Long Park, when Endorfun Sports presents the first Half Iron length triathlon in Austin: a 1.2 mile swim in Decker Lake, followed by a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run.

The Longhorn Triathlon Festival will also feature Sprint and Olympic triathlons on Saturday, in addition to the Half Iron on Sunday. Race director Keith Jordan expects to host 2,000 athletes over the course of the weekend. Although the Sprint and Olympic events draw mostly local triathletes, the Half Iron event has attracted triathletes from 38 States, Mexico, Canada, and Great Britain. This is truly an international event, and we are very excited to show these visiting triathletes the amazing spirit and beauty of Austin, says Jordan.

Jordan, an Austin resident, has tried to make the Longhorn Triathlon Festival a world-class event that’s all about Austin. Local musicians will entertain triathletes along the course and at the finish line. After they finish, participants will have the opportunity to take their picture with a real Texas Longhorn, and chow down on Freebirds world burritos, fresh organic produce from Greenling, cookies from the Maker’s Baker, Amy’s Ice Cream, Sweet Leaf Tea, and Michelob Ultra. Overall and age-group winners will be given locally-crafted limestone awards. Austin should be very proud of this event. Weve received tremendous support from the City, the Austin Sports Commission, Austin Parks & Rec, TXDot, local law enforcement, and so many others, says Jordan.

Volunteers from every corner of town will staff themed aid stations along the course, and vie for the Best Aid Station cash award. It takes a lot more volunteers to put on a Half Iron event because of the large number of aid stations, says Jordan. Our volunteers get a free t-shirt, free lunch, and plenty of fun. And, we offer community and non-profit groups a donation for sending volunteers to the event. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact audra@endorfunsports.com.

The Longhorn Triathlon Festival is sponsored by Jack & Adams Bicycles, MAVIC, Clif Bar, Zoot Sports, TN Sunglasses, Saucony, Timex, Aegis Bicycles, BeginnerTriathlete.com, Fuel Belt, Gatorade, CarbBoom energy gels, Academy Sports & Outdoors, RunTex, REI, Blue Whale Moving Company, Lewis Sign Builders, Skeese Greets, Go2Girl, Texas Iron Multisport, T3, Rogue Training Systems, Trigger Point, Sweet Leaf Tea, Best Buy, Blue Knights TexXas, Recoverease, Greenling, Competitor Texas, Michelob Ultra, Go To Girl, Triathlete Magazine, Runner Triathlete News, Competitor Texas. Post-race massage provided by Advanced Rehabilitation. For more information about the Longhorn Triathlon Festival, visit www.longhorntri.com.