2.6K athletes descend to Madison for Ironman
Ironman Foundation gives back to community through grant funds
MADISON, Wis. — Approximately 2,600 athletes will be descending on Madison over the weekend to compete in the 2014 Ironman triathlon.
The triathlon routes feature Madison and its surrounding scenic areas, organizers said.
Ironman Wisconsin offers a $25,000 professional prize and 50 age-group qualifying slots for the 2015 Ironman, according to a release.
The triathlon starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, followed by a 112-mile bike ride through rural Dane County and a 26.2-mile run through downtown Madison.
According to the release, 17 countries and 48 states will be represented in the triathlon, with 818 participants coming from Wisconsin.
Many University of Wisconsin campus and downtown streets will be closed to accommodate the biking and running portion of the race, organizers said.
UW police encourage everyone planning on being downtown Sunday to give themselves plenty of time to get around the campus and downtown area.
Campus street closings
Spring Street (from Mills Street to Randall Street) – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
West Dayton Street (from Wisconsin Avenue to State Street) – 11:30 am to midnight
Randall Street (from Regent Street to Monroe Street) – noon to midnight Monroe Street (from Regent Street to Randall Street) – noon to midnight Breese Terrace eastbound (from Regent Street to University Avenue) – noon to midnight
Walnut Street – noon to midnight Observatory Drive (from Babcock Drive to North Park Street) – noon to midnight North Park Street (from Lakeshore Path to State Street) – noon to midnight State Street (from Gilman Street to Lake Street) – noon to midnight Langdon Street (from Henry Street to Park Street) – noon to midnight
IRONMAN FOUNDATION
The Ironman Foundation Community Fund will distribute $79,400 in grant funding to initiatives and groups in the greater Madison community, in conjunction with the 2014 Ironman Wisconsin triathlon.
According to a release, the contribution will provide support to nonprofit needs and initiatives within the local community.
The Ironman Foundation will donate $14,400 to the city of Madison Fire Department to show support for first responder groups, officials said. The donation will be used to get six rapid intervention team packs, which will help protect firefighters during an emergency.
The Ironman Foundation will also give $65,000 in volunteer and community grants to the community.
Through 215 Ironman Wisconsin Foundation race slots, athletes have helped raise additional funds to support the Community Fund, officials said. The proceeds from the fund provide grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations in the communities where Ironman events are held.
