Ford signs on as national sponsor, adds name to Ironman Triathlons

COEUR d’ALENE – The Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d’Alene is closed to new competitors, but it accepted a new sponsor this week.

Ford Motor Co. accepted the role as Ironman Triathlon’s title sponsor in the United States for the next three years.

The endurance race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run now is called the Ford Ironman Triathlon. Ford’s sponsorship will increase professional prize money in the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii in the fall by $100,000 to $580,000.

Ford SUVs will serve as pace and chase cars in the Coeur d’Alene race June 26 as well as in races in Florida, New York, Wisconsin and Hawaii.

Ironman Village, a vendors’ camp in City Park, will offer a virtual Ford Ironman Challenge in which race participants can compete with Ford SUVs in a virtual cycling, swim and running event.

About 2,000 athletes are entered in this year’s Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d’Alene.

The Coeur d’Alene race is a qualifying event for the world championships in Hawaii.