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Younger brother of the mythical Ironman, the Ironman 70.3 opens the field of possibilities for neophyte long-distance triathletes! But what does this triathlon format really consist of? How many kilometers do you have to cover? Which races are labeled Ironman in France and in the world? Ekoï offers you an overview of the famous Ironman 70.3 competition to answer all your questions. Let's go!
What is Ironman 70.3?
The Ironman 70.3 is a long distance triathlon, halfway between the M and L races. Unlike those formats, Ironman 70.3 competitions are held under the Ironman brand, owned by the World triathlon corporation (WTC).
This is a shortened version of the Ironman: the idea was to devise a more affordable race for the triathlete community looking to move to longer distances.
Historically named "Half Ironman" at its inception in 2001, this triathlon took on its current name in 2005, when the Ironman 70.3 series was launched.
This format has grown considerably in popularity over the years: no less than 120 competitions are planned for the 2021-2022 season!
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon: what distances?
What is the total distance of an Ironman 70.3? The answer lies in the name of the race! Let's lift the veil on this mysterious and amazing name... The number 70.3 means 70.3 miles, which is half the distance of a full Ironman (140.6 miles). It's that simple!"
From then on, just divide the distances of each of the Ironman events by two to get the distances of Ironman 70.3. This means you'll have to complete a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run (half marathon) before crossing the finish line.
A triple effort on the Ironman 70.3
A triple effort over a total distance of 113 km!
While the frontrunners complete this demanding competition in less than 4 hours, all participants must imperatively finish it before a predefined time limit. Typically, this time barrier hovers between 7 and 8 hours.
Where is the Ironman 70.3 World Championship held?
The Ironman 70.3 has had its World Championship since 2006! Until 2010, it is in the United States that the best long-distance triathletes compete for the title. After that year, the worlds are organized in the state of Nevada, then exported internationally. The 2019 edition was even held in France on the French Riviera.
In 2021, back to the roots! The event will be held on September 17 in his native country, in St George (Utah).
The current world champion is Norwegian triathlete Gustav Iden, who won in Nice with a time of 3:52:35 ahead of Alistair Brownlee and Rodolphe Von Berg.
On the women's side, the phenomenal Daniela Ryf, a Swiss triathlete, swept a third consecutive title (the fifth) on the Promenade des Anglais! She beat out competitors Holly Lawrence and Imogen Simmonds with a performance of 4:23:3.
Who holds the Ironman 70.3 world record?
Britain's Holly Lawrence holds the women's world record for a Half Ironman distance. A true feat of 3 h 52 min 51 s that she will grant herself in 2019 during the Ironman 70.3 Bahrain!"
Among men, the best time ever recorded on this format goes to the Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt. A feat also achieved at Ironman 70.3 Bahrain (2019) at the end of a 3:25:21 effort.
How to participate in a Half Ironman in France.
Dreaming of running an Ironman 70.3? Good news, there are four French competitions under this label:
- the Ironman 70.3 of Nice, a must;
- the Ironman 70.3 in Aix-en-Provence, between picturesque villages, mountains and forests;
- the Ironman 70.3 of Vichy, praised by the triple effort community;
- the Ironman 70.3 Sables-d'Olonne Vendée, the favorite event of triathletes.
Amateurs as well as professionals have the right to participate.
What are the best Ironman 70.3 races?
While each Ironman 70.3 race has its own unique charm, some are more memorable for their rich landscape.
These Ironman 70.3 races are sure to dazzle you:
- the Ironman 70.3 Sydney, Australian postcard par excellence;
- the Ironman 70.3 South Africa, in the heart of the splendid Eastern Cape province;
- the Ironman 70.3 Coeur d'Alene in the United States, which attracts time-hunting triathletes;
- the Ironman 70.3 Taupo, a showcase of New Zealand's natural wonders;
Beware, stars in your eyes guaranteed!
Here you are now unaware of the Ironman 70.3 format. How about learning more about the full Nice Ironman or Vichy Ironman?
