Executive Summary

Southeast Virginia is one of the nation’s tourism hubs. With Virginia’s abundance of highly-desirable attractions, historic heritage, scenic beauty and high-profile events, a large part of our economic growth and future success is being realized right here, right now in Southeast Virginia.

We are truly excited by the concept and prospect of hosting your wonderfully intriguing and inspiring Ironman Triathlon in the greater Williamsburg area. Ironman events embody the characteristic we hold dear as Virginians: setting and achieving goals, commitment and stepping up to challenge.

We are proud to present you with a unique approach for an Ironman North America venue. We have presented a turnkey approach that will make the job of actually executing the race very easy. We are confident that you will find our proposal both compelling and comprehensive.

This document represents a unified Williamsburg community; business, civic, academic and military. You’ll find letters of support from a number of local organizations. The bid-process itself has created a sense of solidarity and purpose to an already dynamic, historically and culturally rich community.

The community is a buzz with excitement and you will find no better location in the country to host your 2004-2009 venues. Many organizations and individuals have come together, lending hands to make your site selection process an easy one…Williamsburg!

We believe Bob Tubbs, a veteran triathlete, has proposed a safe and yet challenging Ironman course. Experienced triathletes spent many hours selecting a proper mix of challenge, scenic contrasts and minimal traffic interactions.

The proposed course offers a unique blend of an exciting double-loop swim; a double-loop 56 mile bike route through some of Virginia’s most scenic and unique countryside and a double-loop marathon like no other…most of which is on scenic, traffic-free paved routes. The route takes participants through the area’s most scenic and historic section of the region. Participants will swim, bike or run:

· Through areas where our country was founded and its first permanent English-speaking settlement established, Jamestown Island

· Pass historical Civil and Indian war battlefields (without the battles)

· Run on trails once the sole domain of the indigenous people of the area

· Past through horse plantations and wide expanses of open fields and farms

· View vista and traverse smooth, tree-lined roads and by-passes unequaled in the region

· Retrace the steps of our country’s founding fathers and mothers

The race finishes with a run down streets once used by Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and many others. The run ends at the College of William & Mary and the finish line inside William & Mary Hall.

In addition to Williamsburg’s resources, the Governor’s, state senator, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s offices are at your disposal. We have mustered resources from throughout the state to support Williamsburg’s community efforts. The Virginia Tourism Corporation offers its extensive partner network to help locate potential national, state and regional sponsor and service providers.

We know that your business model allocates a portion of the event’s proceeds to local community and charitable organizations. Your success helps our community and achieves Virginia’s strategic vision of partnering for success while also helping those less fortunate in our community – a winning proposition for everyone.

As Williamsburg’s heritage is the foundation for our nation, the Ironman’s heritage and history is built on our country’s military. Our plan is to weave into our package a patriotic theme and muster the support of the variety and breadth of the military presence in the area. All of the area military bases are aware of the Ironman opportunity and are finding ways to become involved in the effort.

The greater Williamsburg area boasts representation from all branches of our Armed Forces. Langley Air Force Base, Ft. Eustis Army Depot, the Coast Guard Headquarters, the Navy Weapons Station and NASA are all within an Ironman distance of Williamsburg. Not to mention the variety of bases located in nearby Norfolk, VA.

The Williamsburg area and the Commonwealth of Virginia are committed and dedicated to this project. We sincerely want to establish a long-term partnership with your organization and look forward to hosting the 2004-2009 Williamsburg Ironman events.

Sincerely,

Ernie Young                                                            Phyllis Terrell
President,                                                               Chair,
Williamsburg Hotel/Motel Association                        Williamsburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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