Ironman competitions have become very popular around the world over the last decade or so. One of the biggest of these takes place at Lake Taupo, in Taupo, New Zealand. This year’s annual event will be held on Mar. 5 in the scenic New Zealand town.
The event is the season opener and it will feature a rigorous triathlon that will attract about 1,500 competitors who will fight it out for prize money of U.S. $50,000.
The contestants will swim a total of 2.4 miles, cycle for 112 miles, and then run 26 miles through a picturesque route that features volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
There are several events held during the week leading up to the event and a party atmosphere invades the town. This includes an awards ceremony the day following the race as well as a wrap-up party.
Each competitor is given up to 17 hours to finish the triathlon’s course. The quickest time so far has been just shy of nine hours.