LendingTree CEO to challenge Ironmen

Is Doug Lebda the fittest CEO in the country?

The founder and CEO of Charlotte, N.C.-based LendingTree, an operating business of InterActive Corp., has entered the CEO Ironman Challenge, an athletic competition in which chief executives will compete for the title of "Fittest CEO in North America."

The goals of the event are "to provide a complete 'no hassles' Ironman VIP program for up to 30 CEOs with the opportunity to compete and network with other CEOs and gain incremental publicity for their companies," according to the event Web site.

The $6,750 entry fee includes five nights accommodation at a spa hotel, "incredible media publicity," logo-use rights, a customized training schedule, a private Ironman executives reception, free products from Ironman sponsors, front-of-stage seating at the Carbo Loan Dinner and Awards Banquet, transportation to the race, private massage therapists and a complete package of race photos.

The race will be held July 25, 2004, at Lake Placid, N.Y.

Lebda has participated in several marathons, but this competition will be his first Ironman, according to his biography on the Web site. He's scheduled to compete against the chief executives of AF&L Insurance in Warrington, Pa.; Potter Periodontics in Allentown, Pa.;ARIA Worldwide in Darien, Conn.; Acumen Solutions in Vienna, Va.; Telesto Group in Monmouth Junction, N.J.; TSE Sports & Entertainment in New York; KeyPulse.com in Boston; and Wave Tec Pools in Georgetown, Texas.

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