Published December 15, 2011 12:21
The city of Kalmar will join the IRONMAN European Tour hosting the inaugural
IRONMAN Sweden/Kalmar on August 18, 2012 - the first IRONMAN race in
Scandinavia.
“Being able to host the only Ironman competition in Scandinavia is a great initiative
which will definitely bring Kalmar into the sport tourism spotlight and will have huge
benefits for both the town and the region, so today is a big day for us” says Johan
Persson, the Mayor of Kalmar.
Athletes will be treated to a special swim course, swimming in the Kalmar Strait that
separates the city of Kalmar from the island of Öland one of Sweden’s favorite
vacation spots. The bike course leads athletes through the scenic landscape of
Småland in the south-western part of Sweden, known for being the former home of
two of Sweden’s greatest: IKEA founder Ivar Kampgard and world-renowed author
Astrid Lindgren, whose stories often portray scenes from her childhood growing up in
the Småland. IRONMAN Sweden will finish at the main square of Kalmar.
Previously known as the Kalmar Triathlon, the race attracted more than 700
participants and over 15,000 spectators last year. “Upgrading Kalmar Triathlon to
Ironman Kalmar will boost economy and positively affect everyone involved”, says the
chief executive of the regional council in Kalmar County, Håkan Brynielsson.
Registration will open Tuesday, December 20.
Go back
