World champ McCormack to race in Beijing triathlon

IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, announced three-time world champion Chris "Macca" McCormack will race in the Inaugural 2012 Beijing International Triathlon on September 16, at Qing Long Lake Park, in the Fengtai District of Beijing.

Macca leads a field of several top pro triathletes set to compete in this all-new Olympic distance triathlon for $100,000 in prize money.

In addition to racing, Macca will also serve as the international athlete ambassador for the Beijing International Triathlon.

The 39-year-old Australian has won more than 200 races worldwide since 1993, including 12 Ironman victories, more than any other male triathlete. Macca is also a five-time International Triathlete of the Year and the only male triathlete to ever win both the Olympic Distance and Ironman World Championship.

"To be an athlete ambassador for the Beijing International Triathlon is truly an honor," said Macca. "I speak for triathletes around the world when I say we are always looking for challenges that are authentic and destination races we want to share with our families. This race, with its close proximity to so many wonderful tourist destinations in and around Beijing, really is all those things."

Macca leads a strong pro field that is taking shape for this inaugural race including world champion and 2012 Olympic medal hopeful Javier Gomez (Spain), two time Olympic medalist Bevan Docherty (New Zealand), Olympian Matt Reed (United States), Brian Fleischmann (United States), Olympian Ricarda Lisk (Germany), 2011 Escape from Alcatraz champion and 2012 Olympic team member Nicky Samuels (New Zealand), Becky Lavelle (United States), Olympian Sarah Groff (United States) and Jenna Parker (United States).

"We have created a VIP athlete experience for all Beijing International Triathlon race participants which will include pre and post race parties, activities and trips to nearby highlights including the Forbidden City, Great Wall and more," said IMG Senior Vice President James Leitz.

"We want this year's racers to go home and talk about their experience in Fengtai to generate buzz for the event. In five years' time, this will be one of the top destination triathlon events in the world."

The Beijing International 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 age group and division of this new race. P 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.