Beijing International Triathlon race to be held in Sept.

IMG Worldwide, the world's leading sports, entertainment and media company, in partnership with the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing announced the formation of the inaugural Beijing International Triathlon, set to take place on September 16, 2012, at Qing Long Lake Park, in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China.

Triathletes from around the globe will take part in this all-new Olympic distance triathlon and enjoy the unique culture, tradition and hospitality of China. The race will also draw top professional triathletes who will compete for 100,000 US dollars in prize money.

This all-new triathlon will be part of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon Series, as the first qualifying event in Asia for the iconic Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

Coveted race slots for the infamous and grueling 2013 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will be awarded to the top 50 men and women across each group and division of this new race.

The course will showcase the eco-friendly environment and cultural attractions in Fengtai including a 1.5 km swim at the heart of Qing Long Lake Park; a challenging 40 km bike race through quaint villages of Fengtai to Qian Ling Mountain, the highest peak in Southwest Beijing; and a final 10 km run along stone paths, wooded trails and beautiful bridges showcasing the unique architecture of Qing Long Lake Park.

This race will be part of an intimate three-day, lifestyle sports event that will showcase all the tradition and warmth China has to offer locals and visitors alike.

"IMG Worldwide is thrilled to support this inaugural event that solidifies Beijing as a racing destination and international sporting hub," said James Leitz, Senior Vice President of IMG.

"We have been working closely with the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing and the Beijing government to ensure that this race is successful in its first year and becomes an important annual event on the international triathlon calendar.

"The launch of the Beijing International Triathlon further underscores IMG's commitment to growing the sport of triathlon on a global scale."

The Beijing International Triathlon will also feature a Corporate Challenge Division to introduce the thriving corporate community in China to the sport of triathlon.

Companies will compete in a relay team format for the coveted Corporate Cup and the chance to return to the 2013 Beijing International Triathlon and defend their title.

In addition to the triathlon on Sunday, September 16, the weekend will include a welcome reception and dinner for all participants on Friday, September 14, as well as an all-day Fitness Expo showcasing products and services for health conscious consumers on Saturday, September 15, at the official event hotel. Participants and their families will also have the opportunity to enjoy pre-race city tours and course tours throughout Beijing and Fengtai.

Additionally, IMG will partner with Beijing Television (BTV) to produce a one hour program featuring the Beijing International Triathlon that will broadcast throughout Beijing as well as Austral-Asia, Americas, Britain, Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"We are thrilled to host triathletes from around the world for the Beijing International Triathlon," said Fengtai District Vice-Governor Li Junhui.

"Our goal is to develop the Fengtai District into an international sports, convention and leisure tourism destination that takes advantage of the area's eco-friendly environment and showcases the hot-springs resorts and cultural attraction."