IRONMAN Announces IRONMAN Chattanooga Champions Award Peter Hurley

From left: Keats McGonigal, IRONMAN North America general manager, 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 to the 2024 First Horizon Bank IRONMANChattanooga Triathlon, part of the VinFast IRONMAN North America Series.

Named in honor of the late Peter Hurley, former CEO of American Bicycle Group, owner of bicycle brands including Quintana Roo, Litespeed and Obed, the namesake award will be presented annually to the male and female winners of the IRONMAN Chattanooga Triathlon, in starting with today’s race. The names of each year’s winners will be engraved on the base of the main trophy, which can be viewed at the American Bicycle Group headquarters, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“We are deeply grateful for IRONMAN’s recognition of Peter Hurley’s contributions to the sport and his role in transforming 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 for the sport. Our community’s culture has grown through his vision and continued support of IRONMAN.

Mr. Hurley has completed dozens of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons throughout his life, including the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. His untimely death in July of this year was a shock to his home community of Chattanooga and the bicycle industry.

“As a down-to-earth and approachable industry leader, Peter has not only supported athletes with his brands, but also competed as a highly competitive triathlete in our events himself,” said Keats McGonigal , general manager of North America for IRONMAN. “Peter was someone we could count on to provide valuable feedback on our events, and who also took pride in being able to celebrate post-race. Peter’s passing was a tragic loss of a true friend to so many members of the IRONMAN family. We hope this award reminds the triathlon community of the passion and importance Peter had for the sport and his beloved Chattanooga.