Ironman Oregon A Possibility for 2009

Forest Grove, Oregon may be the newest host city for an M-dot sanctioned Ironman race - and if so, it would be the final qualifying race for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, as it is slated for a mid to late September time frame.

The swim would be held in Hagg Lake, which is in the Oregon Coast Range and about 5 miles outside of Forest Grove. In addition to Forest Grove, there is some consideration being put into Bend and Eugene as other possible host cities in Oregon. There are currently 6 U.S. cities which host official Ironman races, as governed by the World Triathlon Corp. based in Florida.

Some of the logistics involved are the need to provide housing for some 2,000 triathletes and an anticipated 30,000+ spectators. As well, local and national sponsors need to be lined up. The benefit to the Ironman host city is a $100,000 commitment from the WTC - plus the obvious increase in tourism spending.

Check the Forest Grove News Times article for more exact information on this new possible Ironman North America location.