From left to right: Keats McGonigal, managing director of North America for IRONMAN, Lorraine Hurley, and Chris Pascarella, President of American Bicycle Group
photo by Jay Prasuhn
IRONMAN has announced the introduction of the Peter Hurley Champions Award at the 2024 First Horizon Bank IRONMANChattanooga triathlon, part of the VinFast IRONMAN North America Series.
The winners of Sunday's Ironman Chattanooga—American professional triathletes Sam Long and Sarah True—each claimed the inaugural honor, receiving the award at Monday's post-race awards banquet.
Named after the late Peter Hurley, who served as the CEO of American Bicycle Group which owns bicycle brands such as Quintana Roo, Litespeed and Obed, the eponymous award will be presented to the men’s and women’s winner of the IRONMAN Chattanooga triathlon each year, starting with today’s race.
The names of each year’s winners will be etched into the base of the main trophy, which will reside for viewing at the American Bicycle Group headquarters which are based in Chattanooga.
“We are deeply appreciative of IRONMAN’s recognition of Peter Hurley’s contributions to the sport and in helping to transform Chattanooga into the ‘Triathlon Capital of the South’,” said Chris Pascarella, president of American Bicycle Group. “Peter embodied the spirit of triathlon and was a true ambassador of the sport. The culture of our community has grown as a result of his vision and IRONMAN’s ongoing support.”
Mr. Hurley completed dozens of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon’s throughout his lifetime, including the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. His untimely passing in July of this year came as a shock to his home community of Chattanooga and the bicycle industry.
“As a down-to-earth and approachable leader in the industry, Peter not only supported the athlete’s with his brands, but also participated as a highly competitive triathlete himself at our events,” said Keats McGonigal, managing director of North America for IRONMAN “Peter was someone we could count on to provide us with valuable feedback about our events, and also proudly able to celebrate with post-race. Peter’s passing was a tragic loss of a true friend to so many within the IRONMAN family. We hope this award serves as a reminder to the triathlon community of the passion and importance that Peter had for the sport and his beloved Chattanooga.”