By David Gold

USA_triathlon_2011_04-08-11August 4 - The 2011 USA Triathlon Age Group and Sprint National Championships, which take place later this month in Burlington, have sold out in record time, according to the multisport National Governing Body, with possible options now being explored for expanding the field.


Contested each year since 1983, the Age Group Nationals have sold out on just one previous occasion, this being last year when the field reached capacity one week before the event in Tuscaloosa.

This year 1,440 slots were filled for the Olympic distance event nearly two months in advance, with another 500 registering for the Sprint Distance National championship.

As a result, it means that Burlington will be holding the largest ever USA Triathlon owned national championship, representing all 50 states, on August 20.

"Selling out this far in advance is a testament to the importance of our National Championship races and the outstanding venue in Burlington," said USA Triathlon chief executive Rob Urbach.

"Triathletes nationwide are more excited than ever about the opportunity to compete against the best of the best with a national title on the line, as well as the chance to qualify for the 2012 ITU Age Group World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand.

"We realise that some of the nation's top amateur triathletes were hoping to qualify for Age Group Nationals at upcoming USA Triathlon Regional Championships, Special Qualifiers and other sanctioned events.

"Accordingly, we are diligently exploring all possible solutions for expanding the field.

"With many qualifying races still to occur this season, I'd like to thank all of our members for their patience as we work closely with the local organising committee, the city of Burlington and local government to examine ways to safely accommodate more athletes."

USA Triathlon will be publishing all news on their Facebook page and twitter feeds.

More information on the waiting lists for Age Group and Sprint Nationals can be found here, with a full refund to be issued to any listed athletes who are not added to either event.

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