October 4, 2006 - Today, Ironman and the Greater Louisville Sports Commission announced an addition to the global Ironman event series in 2007: Ford Ironman Louisville. The parties have a five-year agreement for Ford Ironman Louisville, and the inaugural race is scheduled for August 26. It will serve as a qualifier for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship taking place on October 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Following a press conference announcing the event, Mayor Jerry Abramson spoke about the prospects of a major Ironman taking place in Kentucky. "It's a great opportunity for us. This has been in the works over the last several months. At first they were looking at organizing a half-Ironman, but when they saw the beautiful bike riding that is available here, as well our downtown, we began discussing a full-length Ironman."

"We're the home of the Kentucky Derby and we'll be hosting the Ryder Cup in 2008," Abramson says. "Louisville understands major events. The community will be very supportive of the Ironman."

"This is one of the biggest amateur sporting events that has ever been to Louisville and the state," says Jeff Schneider, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Louisville Sports Commission. "The city and state will embrace Ironman, and we look forward to combining the athletes' passion for Ironman with Louisville's ongoing enthusiasm and support for sports."

The 2.4-mile swim for Ford Ironman Louisville will take place in the Ohio River, and the bike and run courses will take athletes throughout Louisville and the surrounding cities of Prospect, Clifton, LaGrange, Clarksville, Ind., and Butchertown.

"Louisville has all of the key elements that an Ironman venue demands: scenic, rolling hills, community support and several beautiful parks. It also has another element that will make this event one of Ironman's most popular destinations, Louisville hospitality," comments president and CEO of Ironman, Ben Fertic.

Athletes can register for the event beginning on October 21 at 3 p.m. EST by visiting www.ironman.com. The 2007 event will reach capacity at 2,100 athletes and will include a $50,000 professional prize purse.