New York Triathlon Company promises to take one overweight person and turn them into an Ironman.
August 8, 2005

SBR Multisports in midtown Manhattan has pledged to take one man or woman and turn them into a competitor in next years Florida Ironman. One dedicated New Yorker will receive all the coaching and equipment they need to compete one of the world's most grueling athletic competitions, the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, 26.2 mile run that constitutes the Ironman.

SBR Multisports is looking for an out of shape or getting there New Yorker to train for next years Florida Ironman. Over the year, starting in November, one person will receive intensive coaching in each of the three sports, nutritional counseling and free top of the line equipment. After one year the couch potato will be ready to complete one of the hardest one day endurance feats: an Ironman. The Ironman was invented in 1978 In Hawaii. 27 years later, over 2000 people compete each year in each Ironman race in North America. The race consists of a 2.4 mile swim in open water, or about 160 laps in a standard pool. This is followed by a 112 mile bike ride and that by a full marathon, 26.2 miles. It's a feat of physical strength and determination that attracts the extremely athletic, but as SBR's owner, Christophe Vandaele explains, "What we are trying to do is to show that triathlon is for everyone. Health and fitness for a lifetime is the idea, and we want to channel that through triathlon. Through triathlon you can become a healthy, active,fit, vivacious person. I'm looking forward to finding our athlete and showing them how they can change their life."

To be eligible for the program, interested parties can mail in their application or stop by the company's flagship store at 203 W. 58th St, New York, NY 10019 any time between 10 am and 7:30 pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday 11 to 6 with a completed application, which will consist of the applicant's life synopsis, an explanation of what makes them want to be an Ironman, their contact information and work situation, and a couple of photos. The applicants must be over 220 for men, over 200 lbs for women, and have the desire and the ability to commit to a years worth of training. All equipment for the swimming, biking and running will be provided by SBR Multisports, as well as nutritional counseling and plane fare and accommodations in Florida.