Louisville Ironman gets date change, extension

The 2015 Louisville Ironman Triathlon is moving from August to October, the World Triathlon Corporation announced Monday, and those living through the heat and humidity of the summer months in Louisville can likely understand why.

“The date shift of Ironman Louisville will provide athletes with more comfortable air and water temperatures, improving race conditions and the overall athlete experience,” said Andrew Messick, the organization’s chief executive officer.

Since starting in 2007, Ironman Louisville has used a downtown finish line, with a path that winds past the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs toward La Grange. The path, as with other Ironman competitions, includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run.

The 2015 event will also offer 50 age group slots to the 2016 IronmanWorld Championship in Hawaii.

Mayor Greg Fischer called it a “showcase” event, and it’s one that will having staying power. Along with the date change, the Louisville Sports Commission noted Monday that Ironman will stay in Louisville through at least 2019.

Sports Commission executive director Karl Schmitt said the event has drawn 16,000 participants and an estimated $30 million in economic impact around the area.

“Ironman athletes come to Louisville many days before the competition and often stay afterward,” Fischer said. “We get to showcase all that's great about Louisville while meeting these hard-charging athletes, who are often business executives, entrepreneurs and leaders in their respective fields.”

The 2014 Ironman Louisville is scheduled for Aug. 24. Registration for 2015 starts at noon the next day at ironman.com/louisville.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199. Follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.