Basket
If you're wondering what a Half Ironman is, you've come to the right place! Ready to know all about this long-distance triathlon? Distances, naming, world championships... focus on the Ironman 70.3 race format.
The Half Ironman, a long distance triathlon format
The Half Ironman, what is it? It is a triathlon race format labeled by the World triathlon corporation (WTC) and derived from the iconic Ironman.
While the Half Ironman belongs to the long distance triathlon category, this shortened version of the Ironman is intended to be more accessible. A long circuit ideal for triathletes who want to push their limits!
The distances of a Half Ironman
The official name of the Half Ironman is none other than "Ironman 70.3". The latter refers to the total distance, expressed in miles, covered during the three events of swimming, cycling and running. A funny name that now makes sense, doesn't it?
The distances of a Half Ironman are thus equivalent to half the Ironman circuit in each of the disciplines:
- 1.9 km swim (1.2 mile);
- 90 km of cycling (56 miles);
- 21.1 km of running, which is a half marathon (13.1 miles).
The triathletes cross the finish line at the end of 113 km of effort, corresponding exactly to 70.3 miles, a half Ironman.
As you can see, a Half Ironman is similar to a traditional L-format triathlon.
The Ironman 70.3 World Championship
The first-ever Ironman 70.3 World Championship originated in 2006 in the United States before gaining popularity in the rest of the world. To gain entry, triathletes must first qualify through a race series.
Originally organized in Florida in Clearwater, this international Half Ironman competition is held from 2010 in other cities and countries: Nevada, Quebec, Austria, Australia, Tennessee, South Africa. In 2019, the worlds were held on the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Half Ironman triathlon competitions in France
In France, professionals and amateurs alike can compete in four Half Ironman competitions:
- the Ironman 70.3 in Les Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée;
- the Ironman 70.3 de Vichy in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes;
- the Ironman 70.3 of Nice on the French Riviera;
- the Ironman 70.3 of Aix-en-Provence in PACA.
To your trifonction!
Discover more information about the triathlon and triathlete's equipment now!
