The fourth annual Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas is scheduled for May 17, 2014 in The Woodlands. TWE! is excited that World Triathlon Corporation has selected The Woodlands for its Ironman Texas event as this world-class event is expected to bring major international exposure to The Woodlands as well as extended recognition for the surrounding community. The Woodlands is also host to several other annual sporting including Run Thru The Woods, 10 For Texas, The Muddy Trails 5K, The Woodlands Marathon, the CB&I Triathlon, as well as a wide assortment of festivals, concerts, and more. The Ironman competition is estimated to generate about $16 million in economic investment to The Woodlands area. An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run, and athletes must complete the three disciplines in succession within a 17-hour time frame. Ironman Texas competitors will begin with a swim across Lake Woodlands, entering the water at Northshore Park and finishing at Town Green Park near Market Street, which will serve as a transition area. From there athletes will begin the bike course that will take them west through The Woodlands before heading northeast through rural farmland and then returning to The Woodlands where the final portion is a marathon 26.2-mile run course entirely within The Woodlands that concludes with a spectacular finish at Waterway Square. The Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas will offer 50 coveted slots to the Ironman World Championship, taking place during October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Additionally, there will be a prize purse of $100,000 for distribution among the top professional male and female finishers. The event does mean some road closures, go here to view this information now.