Tampa, Fla. - The IRONMAN Foundation® continues to maintain strong ties in the communities where IRONMAN® races are held, including Kailua-Kona, the host community of the IRONMAN World Championship presented by myList. Through the joint effort of The IRONMAN Foundation and World Bicycle Relief, local nonprofit groups will be able to have a global presence at the historical race on the island of Hawai`i, while also creating awareness for this charitable initiative.

World Bicycle Relief is dedicated to providing access to independence and livelihood through the power of bicycles in communities in rural Africa. The bikes allow individuals to have increased efficiency and better access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities within their communities. Since its inception in 2005, World Bicycle Relief has distributed more than 114,000 bicycles and trained over 750 field mechanics.

World Bicycle Relief ambassador and pro triathlete, Jordan Rapp, has launched his 2012 Rappstar Charity Challenge in partnership with World Bicycle Relief and The IRONMAN Foundation (www.ironmanfoundation.org/rappstarcharitychallenge). This will allow athletes to take part in a fundraising challenge that will benefit World Bicycle Relief's mission. Individuals can donate any amount of money but to take part in the challenge, only donations of $134 USD (the cost of one bicycle) or higher will be eligible for Jordan's awards. Jordan has partnered with his sponsors who have been generous in donating several awards for the challenge.

"Through The IRONMAN Foundation's partnership with World Bicycle Relief we will be able to make an impact by raising funds to support a great cause," said David Deschenes, Executive Director of The IRONMAN Foundation. "Let's face it, as triathletes many of our bike components alone cost about, if not more, than $134. Just knowing that $134 could donate a bicycle to someone, promoting a more efficient and meaningful life, is just amazing."

During the IRONMAN World Championship, World Bicycle Relief will provide 12 branded bicycles for IRONMAN staff members to use during race week. This allows IRONMAN to continue its efforts to go green while also having sustainability throughout the week, showcasing the impact that a bike can make in a community. Pro triathletes and World Bicycle Relief ambassadors, Jordan Rapp and Mirinda Carfrae, will also be competing at the IRONMAN World Championship presented by myList while continuing to create awareness for World Bicycle Relief.

For more information on The IRONMAN Foundation, please visit www.ironmanfoundation.org. For more information on World Bicycle Relief, please visit www.worldbicyclerelief.org.

About IRONMAN
The iconic IRONMAN® Series of events is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since the inception of the IRONMAN® brand in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines at the world's most challenging endurance races. Recognized for excellence through distinguished events, world-class athletes and quality products, World Triathlon Corporation (d/b/a IRONMAN), owner and operator of the IRONMAN® Series, has grown from owner of a single race to a global sensation with nearly 190 events across five unique brands: IRONMAN®, IRONMAN 70.3®, 5150TM Triathlon Series, Iron Girl® and IronKids®. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.