MADISON, Wisc. -The 2004 Ironman Wisconsin triathlon, scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 12, 2004 in Madison and surrounding Dane County, is now closed to general entry.

The 2004 event filled only four days after the 2003 event took place this past Sunday. More than 1,800 athletes competed in the 2003 event." The fact the event filled in less than four days shows the great word of mouth and popularity of Ironman Wisconsin in the triathlon community," said Ironman North America President Graham Fraser. "Wisconsin has become a staple of our schedule and looks to be one of most popular events." With the closing of Ironman Wisconsin, all four 2004 Ironman North America full-distance events which have opened to general entry are now closed. Only Ironman Florida remains, with the 2003 event to take place on November 9, with general entry for 2004 to follow the next day

Athletes registered for Ironman Wisconsin will be competing for 80 qualifying spot to the 2005 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as well as a $25,000 pro prize purse.

While general entry to the 2004 Ironman Wisconsin is now closed, Community Fund spots and a list of qualifiers are currently available. For more information on the Community Fund spots, logo onto www.ironmannorthamerica.com/commfund/index.html, or contact the Ironman North America Athlete Service Center at 850-235-2608.

For more information on Ironman North America qualifiers, log onto www.ironmannorthamerica.com/qualify.html