Calgary, July 22, 2010 - Calgary media can capture powerful stories and images on August 1, 2010 when the second annual Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary builds on the triumph of last year. Calgary's event is a "Half-Ironman" where world champions, Ironman champions, Olympians and locals will swim, cycle and run for personal bests, public glory and $25,000 in prize money.

Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary is the second-largest triathlon in the country and Western Canada's only official 70.3 (Half Ironman) triathlon. Calgary's event will again feature athletes from approximately 20 countries, including many Albertans such as Calgary's professional triathlete Kyle Marcotte.

"Our event offers a balance between the grueling strain endured by the athletes and the glorious mountain scenery that surrounds them," says Dan Ouimet, Viterra Ironman 70.3 event director. "Both competitors and spectators will see that we've built on the incredible success of last year by enhancing the course even more."

Event organizers will ensure that Calgary media can capture this event's drama and tension up close. With advance notice, reporters will have access to guide-driven boats for the swim portion and guide-driven motorcycles for the cycle and run components.

There will be an opportunity following the race to interview all athletes, including Mayo Schmidt, Ironman competitor and President and CEO of Viterra, the event's title sponsor.

"Viterra is very proud to be title sponsor again this year," says Schmidt. "Fueling our bodies with the right food and nutrients is an important part of Ironman training each day. This is where Viterra as a global food ingredients company comes into play. Our products nourish people, and for athletes like those competing in the Ironman, they give us the foundation required to compete with excellence. This is why Viterra is proud to again be the title sponsor of the Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary."
Viterra's sponsorship includes a food drive for the Calgary Food Bank, with opportunities to make donations leading up to the race and at the event itself.

The Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary will begin with the 1.9 km swim at Ghost Lake near Morley AB., followed by a 94 km cycle through Cochrane to the Glenmore Reservoir, and finish with the 21.1 km run around the Glenmore Reservoir.

Calgary's event offers 50 qualifying slots to the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Florida in November. In Calgary, all Canadian provinces and two territories will be represented. Among the athletes competing are past Ironman 70.3 World Champion Mirinda Carfrae, local pro Kyle Marcotte and a variety of amateur athletes from age groups ranging from 18 years to 70 plus years old.

Most competitive endurance event in Alberta history.
The race gets underway at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, August 1. The event begins with a 1.9 km swim in Ghost Lake. From there, athletes will ride 94 km from the foothills of the Rockies to the city of Calgary. Then, competitors run 21.1 km along the scenic paths of the Glenmore Reservoir finishing in the park. Race day shuttle service is available for spectators with pick-up from three locations: the Westin Hotel in downtown Calgary, Grey Eagle Casino near T2 - North Glenmore Park and McMahan Stadium (east side). The cost is $10 on-line at the event website.

The Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary is run by more than 900 volunteers, including almost 80 trained medical personnel.

"The success of last year's inaugural event established our international reputation in this sport," says Randy Williams, Tourism Calgary's President and CEO. "This second event promises to be even more exciting for the athletes and rewarding for the fans."

For more details on the event, including road closures during race day, please visit www.ironmancalgary.com.