OKC to Host ITU Long Distance Triathlon Worlds in 2016

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) today announced that USA Triathlon, Friends of Multisport, Inc. and the Redman Triathlon have been awarded the 2016 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships, to be held in Oklahoma City, Okla.

"The fact that we are able to secure local organizing committees so far in advance is a strong indicator in both the popularity of ITU races and the growth of the sport," said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. "We are thrilled to again work with USA Triathlon to host the championships, as they've proven to be an excellent federation that produces top-tier events."

ITU Long Distance Triathlon Worlds was last held in the U.S. in 2011 in Henderson, Nev., where American Jordan Rapp claimed victory. (Rich Cruse)

"USA Triathlon is honored to have been selected as the host National Federation for another important ITU World Championship," said Bob Wendling, USA Triathlon President. "We look forward to inviting the world's top long-course athletes to Oklahoma and working closely with our respected partners, ITU and the Redman Triathlon organizing committee." 

In September 2016, elite and age-group triathletes will compete for world titles on a 4-kilometer swim, 120-kilometer bike, 30-kilometer run course. Elites will also be vying for a piece of the $90,000 prize purse, to be split equally between the men and women. The Redman Triathlon has been held at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City for the past decade, featuring a calm lake swim, rolling hills on the bike covering both urban and rural views of Oklahoma City and a closed run course around the lake.

"Friends of Multisport, Redman Triathlon and the City of Oklahoma City are excited to welcome an exceptional field of athletes and delegates from the world of triathlon to our wonderful city and event," said Dave Wood, President and Chairman at Friends of Multisport and race director for Redman Triathlon. "Our supportive city and dynamic venue will proudly host a world-class event offering a level of competition and excitement that is becoming commonplace in our growing and vibrant city."

This marks the third time the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships will be held in the United States. The event was last held in the U.S. in 2011 in Henderson, Nev., with more than 900 athletes in attendance, and Muncie, Ind., hosted the event in 1996. The U.S. has hosted a number of other multisport World Championships over the years, including the Duathlon World Championships in 2009 and the Cross (Off-Road) Triathlon World Championships in 2012. Chicago is set to join the ITU World Triathlon Series this year before hosting the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final and Age Group Triathlon World Championships in 2015.

About the International Triathlon Union (ITU): The International Triathlon Union is the world governing body for the Olympic sport of Triathlon and all related Multisport disciplines including Duathlon, Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Winter Triathlon. ITU was founded in 1989 at the first ITU Congress in Avignon, France. It has maintained its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada since then and also has offices in Lausanne, Switzerland and Madrid, Spain. It now has over 167 affiliated National Federations on five continents and is the youngest International Federation in the Olympic Games. Triathlon was awarded Olympic Games status in 1994 and made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000. Triathlon is also featured in the Asian Games, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games. Paratriathlon was accepted into the Paralympic Games in 2010 and will make its Paralympic debut in Rio 2016. ITU is proudly committed to supporting the development of the sport worldwide through strong relationships with continental and national federations, working with its partners to offer a balanced sport development programme from grassroots to a high-performance level. For more information, visit triathlon.org

About USA Triathlon: Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Olympic Movement - as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with more than 550,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).