CAMBRIDGE — Sailwinds Inc. and the Dorchester County Office of Tourism announced this week the launch of IRONClub Maryland, a nonprofit booster organization created to support World Triathlon Corporation’s newest event, IRONMAN Maryland.

Formed by an advisory committee of business owners, community leaders and government officials, club membership is open to any individual or organization interested in supporting IRONMAN’s debut on Maryland’s Eastern Shore Sept. 20, 2014.

IRONMAN Maryland is one of only 38 IRONMAN Triathlons held in the world, with Dorchester County joining elite destinations such as, Boulder, Colo., Lake Tahoe, Calif. and Tempe, Ariz. Club contributions will help fund the required licensing fee to retain the event. Other communities that host IRONMAN events estimate an average annual economic impact of $12 million.

“IRONMAN Maryland presents an incredible opportunity for Dorchester to showcase the area’s unparalleled beauty and amazing reputation for endurance sports. The event will also generate significant economic impact in the County and surrounding areas, from extended stays by the athletes and their friends and families,” said Amanda Fenstermaker, the County’s director of Tourism.

IRONMAN, one of the most recognized and respected global sports brands in the world, is a three-part endurance event that attracts both professional and amateur athletes. Participants swim a 2.4 mile course, bike 112 miles and run a full marathon of 26.2 miles. The 140.6-mile IRONMAN Maryland course winds through Dorchester, attracting an anticipated 1,500 participants and 3,000 supporters who are expected to spend an average of three days and nights in local hotels, restaurants and shops for the September event.

“As a lifelong resident, I’ve seen firsthand the vital economic contribution tourism and sporting events make to our community,” said Victoria Jackson-Stanley, mayor of the City of Cambridge and one of IRON Club’s inaugural member. “I encourage businesses and individuals to join the City by showing their support as we prepare to host this exciting event.”

The club’s founding members include all 20 people who serve on the organizing committee. These IRONClub members contributed over $10,000.

“I’m encouraging my friends and family to join because I see an amazing community of people coming together around this world famous event,” said Chad Malkus, president of Sailwinds Inc. “This is an easy and fun way to bolster our area economically and showcase all we have to offer to thousands of new visitors.”

The club offers six membership levels ranging from $24 to $5,000. Each of the membership levels is inspired by a leg of the race. Join as a “Swimmer,” at $24, “Cyclist” at $112, “Runner” at $262, “Triathlete” at $1,400 or an “Elite Athlete” at $5,000. Club benefits range by contribution level and can include media recognition, access to VIP parties, private viewing areas along the race courses and briefings with race officials.

The Club’s founding members include: Phillip & Amanda Fenstermaker, Gerry Boyle, Addie Eckardt, Chad Malkus, Valerie Brown, Jeff Powell, Michael and Heather Rosato, Dion Banks, Brent Burkhardt and Andrea Vernot, Mari Stanley, Dean, Nita and Trevor Goodwin, Tom and Lynn Hutchinson, Susan Banks, Terry Hasseltine, Kisha Petticolas, Frank Narr and Deborah Divins.

To become a member please visit on the web at www.ironclubmd.com and click “Join Us.”