September 9, 2002 – World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has announced it will
increase the prize purse for the upcoming Ironman Triathlon World
Championship, taking the amount of the sport’s biggest payday from $325,000
to $430,000. With the increase, both the male and female champion will now
each receive $100,000.

“Our board of directors is committed to keeping the Ironman Triathlon
World Championship the premier event for the sport’s most talented
professional endurance athletes,” said Lew Friedland, WTC president.
“The increase is in recognition of the growing prominence of the Ironman,
and our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the professional
triathletes.” The Ironman Triathlon World Championship rewards the top 10
finishers in the men’s and women’s professional divisions.