Colorado Springs, Co. – Triathletes hoping to compete in the next world championship event on American soil must qualify at USA Triathlon’s Oct. 2 Long Course Triathlon Halfmax National Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This fall’s event is the sole qualifier for the 2011 International Triathlon Union (ITU) Long Distance World Championship, which will be held in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, Nev.
 
The Myrtle Beach event is comprised of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. The top 20 finishers in each age group will earn a coveted Team USA spot for next year’s world championship event, which features a 4-kilometer swim, a 120-kilometer bike and a 30-kilometer run.
 
“Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas are two of the premier vacation spots in the United States, and USA Triathlon is excited to be a part of both events,” said Jeff Dyrek, USAT national events director. “These two events will offer athletes and their families top-notch race experiences and outstanding local entertainment.”
 
As of Wednesday, 824 competitors from 46 states have signed on to race in Myrtle Beach in October, including 606 for USA Triathlon Long Course Nationals.
 
For more on both events – the 2010 Long Course Triathlon Halfmax National Championship and the 2011 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship – including registration information, visit usatriathlon.org.