Ironman 70.3 in Goa: 1,200 triathletes will run, swim, bike 113 kilometres
In its third Indian edition, Ironman 70.3 India is a half race (70.3 miles, 113 kms) and participants include professional triathletes, CEOs, and 200+ women.
1/7
Count the kilometres. Between London & Stonehenge. San Francisco to Sacramento. Paris to Moet & Chandon. New Delhi to Aligarh. Mumbai to Alibaug. Now, catch a breath and imagine running, swimming and cycling the distance of 70.3 miles (113 kilometres). No, you cannot be the snail, there’s cut-off time: 8 hours and 30 minutes. Wait, be prepared to lose 1-2 kilograms during 70.3 mile race. Lost a breath and tons of sweat? Well, that’s what nearly 1,200 triathletes from 30 countries will do on October 8 in Goa - participate in Ironman, the iconic global triathlon widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. (Ironman India)
2/7
In its third edition in India, the Ironman 70.3 (the full Ironman race is a combined length of 140.6 miles or 226.3 kilometers) will begin with 1.9 km swim off Miramar Beach, followed by a 90 km bicycle ride before concluding with a 21.1 km run from Miramar Circle in Panaji, the state’s capital. (Ironman India)
3/7
While most triathletes start training a year or two prior to participating in the race, for the organisers, Ironman 70.3 is a logistical bogey. Nearly 1,200 people, including 700 volunteers will man and assist the streets and the crowd that day. 21 tons of ice and 23,000 litres of portable water will be readied for use. Eight aid stations along the course for hydration and nutrition. A couple of bike mechanics will be on standby in case of emergencies but participants are responsible for their bikes. If something minor happens, like a flat tyre, they need to fix it themselves and keep going. That's how triathlons work. Roads will be closed and traffic chaos in the state’s heart will have to be managed. (Ironman India)
4/7
Goa is the Ironman India’s home ground. Why Goa? “We chose Goa because it's a popular travel destination, making it attractive to both locals and international participants. Goa offers a great backdrop for the race and provides convenience with various accommodation options and good airport access. Its marketability was crucial for attracting brands and participants. Ensuring the safety and quality of the beach waters was another essential factor. Government support for road closures was critical and after evaluating different cities, Goa emerged as the best choice due to its suitability and strong government backing,” says Deepak Raj, Chief Executive Officer of Yoska and franchise owner of the Ironman brand in India. (Ironman India)
5/7