2012 IRONMAN U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2012 Ironman U.S. Championship is coming to Fort Lee on Saturday, August 11th. This will be the first time an Ironman competition has ever been held in the New York Metropolitan area.

The Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce is inviting all area businesses to attend a presentation on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center to discuss the 2012 Ironman U.S. Championship and the opportunities it will present. The Community Center is located at 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Businesses will learn about sponsorship, entertainment, event and vendor opportunities at the May 10th presentation. The course map will be outlined and there will be a question and answer period.

During the Ironman competition, the Chamber will have access to the entire grass area on the west side of the street where Bruce Reynolds Boulevard intersects with Hudson Terrace. There will also be an aid station at this location, which the Chamber will man with the help of 100 volunteers.

Race director Victoria Blumfeld and her assistant Sarah Labowsky will attend the May 10th presentation. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich and members of the Boro Council will be invited to attend along with police department members, traffic and safety experts, and other municipal service officials.

Several months ago, Mayor Sokolich and the Boro Council formally organized a committee for the race, which also includes officials from the Palisades Interstate Parkway and neighboring towns. Members of the Chamber have been appointed to that committee.

The 2012 Ironman U.S. Championship will be co-hosted by Fort Lee and New York City. It is expected to generate nearly $50 million in revenue. Over 2,500 athletes from around the world are expected to compete in the 2012 Ironman U.S. Championship.

The 140.6 mile course will begin with a 2.4 mile swim down the Hudson River, ending at Ross Dock in Fort Lee. Participants will then bicycle 112 miles, beginning and ending at Ross Dock. The competition ends with a 26.2 mile run, which also begins at Ross Dock.

Any Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce member or other business interested in participating in the event as a sponsor, advertiser, volunteer or in any other manner should attend the May 10th presentation or contact the Chamber office at (201) 944-7575 or e-mail assistant@greaterfortleechamber. com.

The website for the 2012 Ironman U.S. Championship is www.ironmanuschampionship.com.