The Woodlands Selected to Host 2011 Ironman Event

The Ironman Team, Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau made the announcement Wednesday, June 23, 2010 that the inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas will take place Saturday, May 21, 2011.

"We are very pleased that World Triathlon Corporation has selected The Woodlands for its Ironman Texas event," said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board of The Woodlands Township. "This world-class event garners major international exposure and is great for the recognition of The Woodlands. At the same time, we will work hard to assure and make sure the entire planning process considers every important aspect from a residential standpoint."

Participants will begin with a swim in Lake Woodlands, entering the water at Northshore Park and finishing at Town Green Park, which will serve as the transition area. Athletes will then head out on the bike course that will take them west through The Woodlands before heading north to the scenic, rolling farmland of east Texas. The final portion of the race is a marathon course entirely within The Woodlands that concludes with a spectacular finish on Market Street.

"This event will showcase the incredible destination of The Woodlands downtown area and the community’s unique natural beauty," said Nelda Luce Blair, Chairman of the Board, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Ironman is a premier brand for athletic competition and the Woodlands is a premier brand for living and corporate headquarters. The two fit together very well and should be beneficial for local businesses and residential volunteer organizations. We anticipate that people from all over the country, and the world, will experience the hospitality and the natural scenic surroundings we have in The Woodlands."