From race press release

NEW YORK, NY - (February 19, 2003) - Premier Event Management, organizers of world-class triathlons, and the New York City Sports Commission, today announced that registration will open on Thursday, February 20th for the 3rd Annual New York City Triathlon, to be held Sunday, August 10th. The course will consist of a 1.5-kilometer swim in the Hudson River, a 40-kilometer bike ride along the Henry Hudson Parkway and a 10-kilometer run in Central Park - the same as in previous years. Non-elite participants can register by visiting www.nyctri.com. The cost for registering is $125 per individual.

For the first time in the event's history, the triathlon will also serve as a stop in the prestigious 2003 ITU World Triathlon Cup Series, bringing top elite triathletes from all over the world to New York. The elite course will vary slightly from the age-group course, specifically in the biking portion, which will be executed in multiple-lap format in Central Park. Registration for elite participants will be conducted directly through the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the international governing body for the sport of triathlon.

The 2003 ITU New York City World Cup is part of a seven-race series named 'The Race to Athens,' which provides valuable opportunities for athletes to earn points toward their ITU rankings. Athletes must be ranked in the top 125 in the world to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. USA Triathlon has not yet determined its Olympic qualifying procedures for 2004.

"With the addition of the 2003 ITU New York City World Cup, interest in this event is at an all-time high. Participants can expect this race to quickly sell out, so they should register early,'"said Premier Event Management's Bill Burke, Race Director for the 3rd Annual New York City Triathlon & the 2003 ITU New York City World Cup.

"We are excited to see this spectacular event grow by leaps and bounds with the addition of the World Cup event, especially since New York City was chosen as the U.S. Bid City to compete internationally for the 2012 Olympic Games," said Kenneth J. Podziba, Commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission. "We look forward to welcoming the world?s best triathletes."

Premier Event Management annually produces the New York City Triathlon, DANNON Duathlon Championship Series, AARP Triumph Classic, and the Baker's Breakfast Cookies Triathlon.