Ironman 70.3 UK: The first Ironman 70.3 celebrates tenth year

As the first ever Ironman 70.3, Ironman 70.3 UK turns 10 this weekend. A record number of entries (1950) for this Sunday’s race in Exmoor, South West England, is also seeing a rise in female participation from 13 to 15 per cent in most years to a record 20 per cent for 2015.

The challenging course is appealing to veterans of the distance and first-timers alike who are making up 53 per cent of the start line on Sunday. Ironman 70.3 UK is one of the several races the corporation cut from the pro calendar, meaning  there are no world championship points or a prize purse for pros. Age group athletes will have the opportunity to vie for 50 qualifying spots to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Warm and sunny conditions are expected for Sunday and the temperature of Wimbleball Lake is around 17 degrees Celsius. The bike course through Somerset stands out with 52 hills over the 90 km ride and the three-lap run over a variety of terrain features it own challenging climb.

Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK said, “We are really looking forward to a fantastic weekend of racing and welcoming all athletes from the age of 3 to 72 to the stunning setting of Wimbleball and Exmoor’s National Park. The athletes thrive on the spectator support to spur them on and we would love to see as many people as possible cheering them on.”