Isuzu 1999 Ironman Competition 1999.11.18 Promotion

Isuzu 1999 Ironman Competition Hometown Hero Shirt Detail

In Kona, Hawaii on November 18, 1999, the Ironman Triathlon took place. At the conclusion, one male and one female winner took home the title of The World's Top Triathlete, a prize of $35,000 and an Isuzu VehiCROSS. This special edition VehiCROSS was made along with an Ironman Rodeo and Ironman Amigo to serve as lead vehicles. They were shown at various car shows the same year. Apparently Isuzu also gave away an Ironman VehiCROSS as the "Go farther." prize for the athlete most representing the Go farther spirit. Isuzu did a direct-mail promotion in conjunction with Reebok for the event.

Isuzu 1999 Reebok Ironman Direct-Mail Promotion

Some Isuzu T-Shirts were also made to help promote the event (you may have needed to participate in a local Ironman competition to receive one):

Isuzu 1999 Ironman Competition Hometown Hero Shirt

Commemorative Ironman Special Edition 1999 VehiCROSS

There were also Isuzu branded enameled pins and clothing promoting the Ironman competition in Lake Placid (I believe this was for the qualifier? I'm not sure if these items are for 1999 or for later):

 Isuzu Ironman Lake Placid Enamel Pin

Isuzu Ironman Lake Placid Fleece

Saved from AutoWorld 1999:

Since 1978, when first Ironman Triathlon took place, athletes have built, toned, and exhausted their bodies for a chance to swim, bike and run 140.6 combined miles at the world's most famous endurance triathlon. On October 23, approximately 1,500 competitors from around the world will converge on Kona, Hawaii, for a 17-hour relay composed of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike tour, and a 26.2-mile marathon. At the conclusion of this endurance test one male and one female will have the bragging rights to the title of The World's Top Triathlete - and a prize of $35,000 and an Isuzu VehiCROSS. 

Through 2002 American Isuzu will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. To commemorate this prestigious title, Isuzu will create Ironman editions of both the Rodeo and Amigo sport-utility vehicles; provide an Ironman VehiCROSS to serve as the lead vehicle for the event; and donate an Ironman VehiCROSS as the Go farther prize for the athlete most representing the Go farther spirit.

For those who are unable to make the trip to Hawaii, Isuzu will be presenting the championship broadcast November 18, 1999 on NBC.

Following the competition, we will be updating this page with photos and comments of the entire Ironman experience. Be sure to come back to see how the world's fittest athletes measure up against Kona.

 

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