Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Count the kilometres. Between London & Stonehenge. San Francisco to Sacramento. Paris to Moet & Chandon. New Delhi to Aligarh. Mumbai to Alibaug. Now, catch a breath and imagine running, swimming and cycling the distance of 70.3 miles (113 kilometres). No, you cannot be the snail, there’s cut-off time: 8 hours and 30 minutes. Wait, be prepared to lose 1-2 kilograms during 70.3 mile race. Lost a breath and tons of sweat? Well, that’s what nearly 1,600 triathletes from 30 countries will do on October 8 in Goa – participate in Ironman, the iconic global triathlon widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. (Ironman India)
In its third edition in India, the Ironman 70.3 (the full Ironman race is a combined length of 140.6 miles or 226.3 kilometers) will begin with 1.9 km swim off Miramar Beach, followed by a 90 km bicycle ride before concluding with a 21.1 km run from Miramar Circle in Panaji, the state’s capital. (Ironman India)
While most triathletes start training a year or two prior to participating in the race, for the organisers, Ironman 70.3 is a logistical bogey. Nearly 1,200 people, including 700 volunteers will man and assist the streets and the crowd that day. 21 tons of ice and 23,000 litres of portable water will be readied for use. Eight aid stations along the course for hydration and nutrition. A couple of bike mechanics will be on standby in case of emergencies but participants are responsible for their bikes. If something minor happens, like a flat tyre, they need to fix it themselves and keep going.
That’s how triathlons work. Roads will be closed and traffic chaos in the state’s heart will have to be managed. (Ironman India)
