Cambridge – Governor Larry Hogan, together with state and local officials and community leaders, applauded the decision by World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) to extend Dorchester County’s license to host IRONMAN Maryland an additional five years. The extension – which returns the event to Dorchester from 2019 through 2023 – was announced by Governor Hogan in a video broadcast to 700 people at the 5th Annual IRONMAN Maryland 2018 athlete welcoming ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge on Thursday September 27.
The extension includes the return of both IRONMAN Maryland and IRONMAN Eagleman for each of the next five years. IRONMAN Maryland will take place on September 28, 2019 and offer 40 qualifying slots for the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
“Our state has been proud to host the globally-recognized IRONMAN Maryland, and welcome triathletes and spectators from around the country and the world,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This announcement solidifies what Marylanders already know, that our Eastern Shore is a perfect destination to compete, as well as explore and enjoy with family and friends.”
“We are thrilled to build on this longstanding partnership with the local community,” said Keats McGonigal, Senior Regional Director for IRONMAN. “IRONMAN Maryland had the best overall satisfaction in the 2017 IRONMAN Athlete Choice awards because this venue truly supports our athletes and we look forward to coming back for years to come.”
Race Director Gerry Boyle, a REALTOR with Benson & Mangold and incoming Chairman of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce board of directors, congratulated the decision to renew the event licenses and praised the community for their commitment.
“Our selection to host one of only 12 full-length IRONMAN races builds on Dorchester’s long history hosting world-recognized endurance events and our community’s outstanding reputation for service,” Boyle said. “Hosting IRONMAN Maryland is a team effort that includes staff, volunteers, businesses and the community.”
Dorchester Tourism Director Amanda Fenstermaker also serves as Chair of IRONClub Maryland, the local booster club responsible for helping to raise the $100,000 license fee.
“In five years, our relatively small investment in IRONMAN Maryland and Ironman 70.3 Eagleman has delivered an enormous economic impact for our community and our state,” she said. “IRONMAN events produce world-wide publicity, generate almost $5 million annually, and leave a legacy in our community through their nonprofit and educational donations.”
“The City of Cambridge is proud to host IRONMAN Maryland, and this commitment ensures the strong relationship and positive impacts on our community will continue for five more years,” said Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley. “Every year, we look forward to embracing our friends from around the globe, and showing them the hospitality that has made IRONMAN Cambridge such a unique and memorable race.”
Dorchester County Council President Ricky Travers said that the renewal of IRONMAN Maryland’s license demonstrates the confidence by race organizers and participants that Dorchester is indeed the heart and soul of Tri-Country.
“The renewal of IRONMAN Maryland’s license demonstrates the confidence by race organizers and participants that Dorchester is indeed the heart and soul of Tri-Country,” said Ricky Travers, Dorchester Council President. “Our selection to host IRONMAN Maryland for five more years is a testament to every resident, volunteer, and donor who helped create a flawless, friendly and first-class experience.”
“IRONMAN Maryland has quickly become a race and experience that triathletes are putting on their must do bucket list of races.” Said Executive Director of Maryland Sports Terry Hasseltine. “We are extremely excited about today’s announcement as it re-confirms that the backdrop of Maryland’s Eastern Shore is the perfect location for hosting world class events and experiences.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman will host the North American regional TriClub Championship for the first time on June 9, 2019. The event will also offer 30 qualifying slots to the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.
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