THE third Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 Durban has arrived! The city’s biggest triathlon takes place this Sunday at Suncoast with a field of 2704 athletes lining up on uShaka Beach to take on the new and improved race course.
The new swim venue extends from the harbour wall-side of uShaka Pier with athletes exiting on uShaka Beach. For the first time, the bike course will see the M4 closed on both sides. These full road closures will help to ease the congestion on the bike course. The race will end with a fast, flat and beautiful run to the finish arch on the promenade in front of the Suncoast Amphitheatre.
Amongst this year’s capacity field are 123 international athletes representing 37 different countries. The United Kingdom, Netherlands and United States are the top three international countries represented. Ex-Sharks rugby player John Slade and former Springbok rugby fly-half Butch James are amongst the athletes taking on the Ironman challenge within a team. Slade and James will also be part of 40 athletes racing in an orange vest to raise funds for the Ironman 4 the Kidz Charity Trust. Some notable names racing this year are former rugby stars, John Smit, John Slade, Stefan Terblanche and former Protea fast bowler André Nel.
Spectators are encouraged to make their way to Suncoast on Sunday to experience the race atmosphere and cheer the athletes on through their 1.9km swim, 90.1km bike and 21.1km run. The spectator grand stand, situated at the finish line, is free to enter. The first male athlete is expected to arrive at 10h45, with the first female expected in at 11h30. The race is expected to finish at 16h00.
On race day the public can follow athletes by using the Track an Athlete SMS service by SMSing an athlete’s race number to 39408. The recipient will receive SMS updates on race day when the athlete passes timing mats on the course. The service costs R15 with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Ironman 4 the Kidz Charity Trust.
Live tracking will also be available on the Ironman South Africa app on race day.
For the detailed race schedule and general information, visit www.ironman.com/durban70.3, or download the Ironman South Africa app for free on the App Store and Play Store.
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