Ironman Mayor’s Media Challenge is Thursday at Tempe Town Lake

Annual “Mayor versus the Media” event previews real Ironman

Tempe, Arizona – For the sixth time, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman is challenging Valley media representatives to a mini-triathlon on Thursday, Nov. 19, in celebration of Ironman Arizona. The biggest-ever Ironman Arizona Mayor’s Media Challenge involves a 24-yard swim in Tempe Town Lake, a 1.12-mile bike ride and .26-mile run. Ironman donates $1,000 to the winner’s charity of choice.

It’s all happening at Tempe Beach Park, at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, at 7 a.m. this Thursday. Parking will be available in the surface lot just west of the park, which can be accessed from Ash Avenue. Bikes for the event were borrowed from Landis Cyclery, which has two Tempe locations. Visit www.landiscyclery.com.

Mayor Hallman will have a secret weapon in the race – his coach Heather Fuhr, 15-time Ironman world champion! Those who have bravely committed to take on the Mayor include:

• FSN Arizona Sports Anchor and Reporter Jody Jackson;
• CBS 5 Anchor Catherine Anaya, Reporter Tammy Leitner and Producer Bonnie Loftus, who in a first-ever twist, are competing as a relay team;
• College Times Editor Ed Baker and Assistant Editor Nate Lipka;
• Arizona Republic Southwest Valley Education Reporter Megan Gordon, Immigration Reporter Daniel Gonzalez and Page Designer Chris George; and
• Last year’s champ, East Valley Tribune photographer Tim Hacker.

For more information on Ironman Arizona, visit www.ironmanarizona.com. For Tempe traffic closures and restrictions during Ironman Arizona, visit www.tempe.gov/streetclosures.

Source: City of Tempe

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