Beijing to host Escape To Alcatraz Triathlon Series

Escape To Alcatraz Triathlon Series (ETATS) will make its Asia debut in Fengtai District of Beijing in September 2012, organizers announced here on Wednesday.

This first ETATS qualifying event in Asia, named the Beijing International Triathlon, will be held for five years from 2012 and will be produced by the global sports, entertainment and media giant, IMG Worldwide.

The Beijing International Triathlon will be part of the Escape To Alcatraz Triathlon Series as a qualifying event for the iconic Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon that has been held in San Francisco, California for over 30 years and is one of the most difficult events to enter.

This coveted race slot is now available for the top 50 finishers in this new event in Fengtai. This opportunity and association with the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will help build global participation in this new triathlon as well as an international marketing and promotional platform for Fengtai.

Li Junhui, vice-governor of Fengtai District, told the press that the district was aiming to develop itself into an international sports, convention and leisure tourism destination that takes advantage of the eco-friendly environment, hot-spring resorts and cultural attractions in Fengtai.

The Beijing International Triathlon will be developed into a branded event and calling card of Fengtai with future growth of the event alongside the booming economy and urban construction in the district.

The Beijing Sports Bureau will fully support this inaugural event as the city is growing into an international sporting hub, carrying forward the Olympic legacy to the Chinese capital.

James Leitz, Senior Vice-President of IMG, thanked Fengtai for its commitment to sport and said that the long-term vision of Fengtai government to build and showcase to the world all the beautiful landmarks and unique cultural experience of Fengtai had made this great event happen.

The event race course, combining swimming, cycling and running, will feature the Qinglong Lake Park and the rugged mountains, hot-spring and other historical and modern state-of-the-art attractions in the district.

More than 300 international triathletes, including some of the world's best pros will take part in this one hundred thousand dollar prize money competition.

The unique race course, together with this exciting experience in Fengtai will make the event one to remember and build the event into a "must-do" on the global triathlon calendar.

The Beijing International Triathlon will also feature a corporate challenge where businesses from China and the region can enter their teams to compete.

Leitz believes with the international promotion and TV coverage of this first ETATS qualifying event in Fengtai, the charm of the district will be showcased and promoted to a world audience as well as promote a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle in Fengtai and Beijing.