The Inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 Race, By Judy Worley
The inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 race on November 11, 2006,
in Clearwater Beach Florida had intensity and passion unlike any other sporting
event I have ever experienced.
The event was represented by 45 countries with over 1700 of some of the world’s
best Triathlons of various age groups, including athletes over 70 years of age.
This Inaugural Triathlon Race was exciting, with an intense atmosphere, and
featuring nothing but the best in athletic performances.
The kick off of the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3.The Triathlons were
amazing to watch as they endured unbelievable strength and courage all the way
across the finish line. At the start of the triathlon, the athletes raced down
the sandy white beaches of Clearwater Florida into the Gulf of Mexico and swam
1.2 miles / 1.9 km.
Swimmers in the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3I was truly amazed as I
watched some of the world’s best swimmer’s go through an extensively laid out
swimming course lined with ropes and buoys for the swimmer’s to stay on course.
As they approached the end of the swimming course, where the water met the
beach, was awesome to watch.
Onto the next leg of the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3The Triathlons
completing the course came up out of the shallow part of the water running and
splashing all the way out as they continued on running up the beach, where they
grabbed their cycling gear, and then hopped on there bicycles, ALL without
missing a beat. It was truly an astonishing sight to see.
Strength and endurance kept racers going in the Ford Ironman World Championship
70.3As these athletes grabbed their bicycles, they began cycling on a racecourse
of 56 miles / 90.1 km without stopping. As they went past, I could see the
intensity in their face, arms and legs. Moreover, I could actually see their
strong endurance that was very impressive to watch. I also saw the passion in
their eyes of just how focused each of these athletes were.
The Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3At the end of the cycling racecourse,
the Triathlons parked their bicycles and darted off onto the marathon part of
the race where they began the 13.1 miles / 21.2 km race to the finish line.
These athletes never rested. They never stopped. There was no break for lunch
either. They were only able to get a quick drink of water or a drink provided by
one of the sponsors as they passed a volunteer who was stretching out their arm
for them to grab the cup as they went by. Some of the athletes got only water so
they could pour it over their head or splash their body to help them cool down.
Throughout the race as they headed toward the end of the racecourse I could not
believe what these athletes were going through as they continued to race until
they crossed the finish line. I watched some experience leg cramps; vomit and
others experiencing problems like stomach pains. It was a true test of their
physical and mental limits. As they came across the finish line, they were
exhausted and physically drained. Their breathing was hard, but they did it.
They endured to the end with courage, passion and success.
These Triathlons were unbelievable to watch. Their strength and endurance was
unbelievable. Moreover, the raw emotions and the passion I witnessed is one
experience I will not forget and is etched in my mind forever. As I watched
these athletes throughout the course of the Ford Ironman Triathlon 70.3 it gave
me total respect for the human spirit. A special note of thanks goes out to the
Spectators, Sponsors, all the Ironman athletes and staff, volunteers, security
teams, and everyone who made this amazing event possible... Thank You!
Congratulations to all the finishers, you truly are the best!
The professional prize purse was $100,000 and the top professional and age group
athletes will qualify for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship that will
take place in Kailua-Kona Hawaii on October 13, 2007.
The Ironman 70.3 Event Series is continuing to grow adding several events to the
2007 calendar. Events include exciting locations such as Switzerland, Singapore,
Newfoundland and Copenhagen. The new additions will bring the total number of
events in the 2007 Ironman 70.3 series to 20.
For more information on events and schedules visit
www.ironman703.com
or www.ironman703.com.
Learn More About Judy Worley