World class athletes will be converging on Tempe, Arizona in the following week to participate in the third annual Ford Ironman Arizona competition. What makes this venue unique can be described in two words: proximity and climate.

All the necessary elements are found in close proximity. The transition area, lake and three loop bike and run course are all centered around Tempe Town Lake. The race organizers proclaim, "race day viewing is nothing short of spectacular."

Climate conditions are ideal. Arizona's April weather is summer-like. The water will be cool (around 64 degrees) which is perfect Ironman swimming temperature. The cool water creates a cooling effect on the nearby pathways. The more distant aspects of the bike race will run from Tempe toward the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community to the northeast. The hills are breathtaking this time of year- with the wildflowers in bloom.

The Ironman events have been so successful in Tempe that the governing body has added a second event to be held later this year. This event will be held November 23, 2008.

The Ironman attracts the world's best triathletes... and this year is no different. Here is a list of athletes qualified for the world championships.

Here are the details:

Date: April 13, 2008

Distance: 2.4 mi. swim • 112 mi. bike • 26.2 mi. run

Registration Status: Sold Out

Race Director: North America Sports Athlete Services
4999 Pearl East Circle, Suite 301
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303-442-9097, ext 27
Toll-free: 888-280-9097, ext. 27
Fax: 303-449-4487

Email: admin@ironmanusa.com

Official Website: http://www.ironmanarizona.com