Middlebury, CT – July 20, 2011 – Timex, a leader in outdoor and sports performance timepieces, today announced that five employees from its sales and marketing teams will toe the line together on July 24 in Lake Placid, NY, and attempt to conquer the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.
Cumulatively, the group has completed eight Ironman triathlons, however Ironman Lake Placid will mark the first time they will all compete head-to-head in the same venue.
Training for and competing in Ironman events has allowed each member of the team to shape a unique approach to their respective roles, grounded in personal sacrifice, a passion for the sport and first-hand understanding of athletes’ needs.
“I've been kicked at the swim start, longed to get off the bike to start running at mile 95, and had my hamstrings tighten uncontrollably at mile 15 of the run,” said Schultz. “So when I talk to athletes about our product, I know exactly where they are coming from and what their needs are.”
Ironman Lake Placid is the second oldest Ironman in North America and serves as a qualifying event for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI. More than 2,500 athletes will enter the calm waters of Mirror Lake for the mass start swim before riding and running through the Adirondacks and passing by the historic landmarks from the 1980 Winter Olympics.
“This is my absolute favorite place on earth, so to compete in an Ironman here alongside my colleagues is just the icing on the cake,” said three-time Ironman finisher Keith Meyer who manages event marketing and sponsorships for Timex.
Triathlon participation amongst Timex employees has grown exponentially over the past five years. On Wednesday July 13, more than 30 staffers participated in the 25th anniversary of the Pat Griskus Sprint Triathlon, held annually approximately one mile from Timex’s headquarters in Middlebury, CT.
“Ironman has been a pillar of the Timex business for more than twenty-five years,” said Calves, who will make his Ironman-distance debut. “Working closely with the brand over the last five years, I have been inspired by some amazing displays of human spirit. It is hard not to get caught up in the energy and emotion, and not want to similarly inspire those closest to you,” he added. “I want to show my kids that they can achieve anything they want if they sacrifice, work hard, and focus.”
The staffers will join members of the Timex Multisport Team, a group of elite professional and amateur competitors who travel the globe competing in endurance events on behalf of Timex and associated sponsors, at the event. Among the athletes scheduled to participate include professional Jackie Arendt, who placed second at this year’s Ironman St George race in her professional debut, Canadian professional Marie Danais, and age-group athlete Wendy Mader of Grosse Point, MI.
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