Austin, Texas, considered among one of the nation's hot beds for the sport of triathlon, will now host its own Ironman 70.3 event. Last year, Endorfun Sports presented the first long-distance triathlon as part of the Longhorn Triathlon Festival at Walter E. Long Park.

The event is the final addition to the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Series and will now be referred to as Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin. The event, on October 5, 2008, will serve as the first official qualifier for the 2009 Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on November 14 in Clearwater, Florida.

Keith Jordan, Endorfun Sports owner and producer of the popular Timberman 70.3 in New Hampshire comments, "We have already laid the groundwork with a very successful race in 2007, drawing more than 900 athletes from 38 states in addition to Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. By adding the Ironman 70.3 designation, we expect the race to draw over 2,000 athletes from around the globe. This race will have the spirit of Austin and put our city on the world map as a destination and triathlon mecca," said Jordan.

The 1.2 mile freshwater swim will take place in Decker Lake at Walter E. Long Park. The bike is a 56 mile highly scenic, one-loop course through rolling Texas farmland, with views of sprawling ranches, longhorns, horse farms, cedar-covered vistas and sunflower fields. On the half marathon run course, athletes will discover why Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. Live, local entertainment will keep athletes motivated as they encounter a two-loop course meandering through Walter E. Long Park, along the shores of Decker Lake and through the Travis County Expo Center grounds. The 13.1 mile run course will encompass approximately two miles of grass roads, while the remainder of the course is on asphalt roads. The course will be completely closed to traffic.

In addition to the $25,000 professional prize purse, overall and age group winners will receive locally crafted limestone awards. The event will receive tremendous support from the city, the Austin Sports Commission, Austin Parks & Rec, TXDot, local law enforcement. Athletes and supporters will be invited to a post-race party on Sunday evening, following the race.

Local and regional volunteers will staff themed aid stations along the course, and vie for the "Best Aid Station" cash award. Many will be community and non-profit groups who receive a donation for sending volunteers to the event. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact audra@endorfunsports.com.

For more information about the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin, or to sponsor the event, contact Claire Jordan at 512-535-5224 or visit www.ironmanlonghorn.com.