If you are planning to enter either the Spec-Savers Ironman or Ironman 70.3 South African triathlons you have just over a month to do so. The closing date for both the races is on the 14th November 2008 (late entries, at an additional cost, on the 28th November).
The Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 SA will be first on the 2009 calendar as athletes from all over South Africa and the world descend on the city of East London for the second edition. The 70.3 has proved extremely popular among triathletes and event organizers, Triangle SA, hope to grow this race into one of the biggest in the world. Fifty slots will be allocated for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater Florida.
Although it is the Pros that pull the crowds and receive the majority of the accolades the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 is geared for the amateur athlete. The race encourages team participation and true Ironman spirit as young and old, believing the impossible, head to the sea to take up the challenge. The course, set in the beautiful city of East London, takes athletes on a 1.9km ocean swim off Orient Beach, followed by a 90km cycle out onto the highway and finishes with a 21.1km run along the Esplanade.
“There is such potential to grow this 70.3 event,” enthused Race Director Paul Wolff. “We start the athletes in waves, groups depending on age and gender, and are therefore able to accommodate a much larger field of athletes. We also allow teams to participate; thereby giving everyone involved a taste of Ironman and hopefully bringing them back for more.”
The fifth Spec-Savers Ironman SA is set for the 5th April in Port Elizabeth and promises to have you cheering for your favourite athlete from sun up to midnight as they battle it out over a 3.8km sea swim, 180km cycle and full marathon. To enter simply log onto www.ironmansouthafrica.com and select the race you wish to participate in.
2008 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 SA winners – from left: Fraser Cartmell (UK) – 3rd | Raynard Tissink (RSA) – 1st | Frederick van Lierde (BEL) – 2nd; Photo Credit: Rob Pollock Photography
Spec –Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa
18 January 2009
1.9km SWIM | 90km CYCLE | 21.1km RUN
50 qualifying slots for the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida
www.ironman703.co.za
Spec –Savers Ironman South Africa
5 April 2009
3.8km SWIM | 180km CYCLE | 42.2km RUN
30 qualifying slots for the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii
www.ironmansouthafrica.co
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