Once more, this year Jesolo will host one of the most important sporting events: Ironman 70.3.
The date of this competition had originally been set for September 25th, but due to the upcoming political elections it has been postponed to October 9th, 2022.
5 curiosities about The Ironman race.
The Ironman race is the most famous and longest race of the all triathlons. It consists in completing a combination of three different disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.
Each year more and more fans sign up to participate. It has seen a huge growth in sign-ups to take part. Participating in this kind of competition at least once in a lifetime is the dream of many athletes.
Triathlons have different distances depending on the level, and each is identified by a different name. The queen of these competitions, and the hardest challenge to face, is The Ironman!
If you’re thinking of signing up, or you already have, or you simply do not want to miss out, check out these five curiosities:
- When and how did The ironman come about?
In 1977 thanks to a wager between friends from Honolulu, in Hawaii. The subject of the dispute was over which of the cyclist, swimmer or runner was the best athlete. To resolve the matter, US Navy Commander John Collins proposed combining the three iconic Honolulu Island events into a single race:
- The Waikiki rough water swim (swimming race);
- The Around-Oahu (cycling race);
- The Honolulu marathon (running race).
The winner of this titanic competition would have been crowned the “Iron Man”.
2. 140.6 miles split up between swimming, cycling and running
The full Ironman race includes a 3.86 kilometer (2.4-mile) swim, a 180 kilometer (112 mile) cycle, and a 42.195 kilometer (26.2 mile) marathon.
3. Time limit: 17 hours
Usually the race must be completed in 17 hours. Starting at 7am and finishing at midnight.
4. The first to win an Ironman competition was an American
Fifteen men took part in the first ever competition with just 12 crossing the finishing line. Gordon Haller, a communications specialist in the US Navy, was the first to cross the finish line after 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds.
5. Ironman is a registered trademark
All the athletes which participated in the first Ironman received a mini-guide with rules to respect during the competition. In the last page of the guide they found a hand-written note: “Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!”. This phrase became Ironmans registered trademark
IRONMAN 70.3
The term Ironman 70.3, or Half Ironman, refers to a sport with a very high physical content, born as a variant of the complete Ironman (swimming, cycling and running) and more demanding than the Olympic Triathlon. This competition provides, in fact, the following distances:
- A 1.9 km (1.2 miles) swim
- A 90 km (56 miles) bike
- A 21,097km, half marathon (13.1 miles) run
The definition of Ironman 70.3 derives, therefore, from the sum of the three distances in land miles (1.2 + 56 + 13.1 = 70.3).
To face a race of this length you need specific training, which focuses on both speed and endurance. We are talking, in fact, of races that last between 4 and 6 hours. In these competitions, hydration and nutrition are also very important: the body must be prepared and trained to manage its’supplies!
Participation in this competition is acquired through international competitions that take place all over the world. The Ironman is characterised by organisational excellence and the top choice of locations.
The categories which can participate are three:
- Professionals
- Relay amateurs (team of 3 people who perform one discipline each in relay)
- Solo amateurs
The Jesolo-Venice Ironman 70.3 route
As we have already said, the competition is divided into three different disciplines. In order not to miss a single second of the competition, here are the routes you will need to follow:
Swim
1900 metres in the waters in front of the iconic lighthouse that marks the border between the Municipality of Jesolo and Cavallino. A single counterclockwise lap in the Adriatic Sea which, with its sandy bottom, is suitable for both experienced swimmers and beginners.
Cycle
The route consists of a single, flat 90 km lap characterised by straight lines where you can also reach your “Personal Best”. The competition crosses the Municipality of Cavallino along the lagoon rich in unique flora and fauna. Going back, it continues through the town of Jesolo, Cortellazzo and the Municipality of Eraclea.
Run
A 21,2 km in 3 laps including a straight 2,5km part totally in the shade of tress before crossing the promenade along the sea, running back towards the lighthouse beach where the turning point is located. On the third lap the athletes will enter directly onto the beach to the finishing line.
So, whether you are a professional or an amateur: you absolutely cannot miss this wonderful open air competition in a unique and wonderful location like the city of Jesolo!!!
