Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Coming to Augusta, Maine For The First Time
The Art of The Tease
Yesterday the official Ironman Facebook Page teased a new Ironman 70.3 location and though the photo was artistically blurred, anyone who knows Augusta knows that view from Memorial Bridge and the unmistakable Kennebec River.
What is Ironman 70.3?
The Ironman 70.3 is a half marathon which is made up of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
Obviously, an Ironman is no easy feat. People train all year for when this event comes to their area. The Ironman tests one’s endurance like they may have never experienced before. According to Sport Coaching, athletes can expect to be racing for at least 5 to 7 hours. They also break down cut-off times for each event. For swimming, it’s 1 hour and 10 minutes and for biking, it’s 5 hours and 30 minutes. The event as a whole must be completed in 8 hours and 30 minutes
Ironman Augusta, Maine
The Augusta, Maine Ironman will take place on July 31, 2022. Not a lot of details are available as of yet but here’s what we know so far.
No surprise that the swim will happen in the Kennebec River. Sport Coaching recommends athletes competing in a river position themselves in the middle for an advantage of deeper water when going downstream. The run portion will take place along the Kennebec Rail Trail ending back in downtown Augusta. More details will be released in time. Registration opens on January 31st and can be done here. You will find the link to volunteer for the event there as well.
President and CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce said in the Ironman Press Release,
“This is going to be a huge economic impact for our region and members. I am excited to showcase our area to all of the athletes and guests and show them how great it is to live, work, and play here.”
Best of luck to all of the athletes and welcome to our beautiful capital city!