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Differences and Similarities between Ironman Triathlon and Half Ironman Triathlon
1. Differences and Similarities between Ironman Triathlon and Half Ironman
Triathlon
The World Triathlon Corporation, also known as WTC; organizes a number of triathlons races every
year. Among these popular annual series of triathlon races; the Ironman and Half Ironman Triathlons
are debatably the most popular. These two annual races are typically long distances endurance and
stamina challenges for triathletes, and are known to attract some of the most elite triathletes from
around the world. Similarly, these triathlon races are closely followed by sports fans from around the
world and the winners of these triathlon series are known to enjoy almost instant worldwide
recognition, post victory. Bearing in mind the significance of these triathlon races; let's look at the
differences and similarities between the two.
Both are organized by the World Triathlon Corporation
Both the Half Ironman Triathlon series, also known as Ironman 70.3, and Ironman Triathlon are
organized by the World Triathlon Corporation, and in both triathlon series, triathletes compete for a
world title.
Both are Triathlons
Those with little exposure to triathlon races must understand that with the Ironman 70.3 series and
the Ironman; the nature of these demanding sporting events is the same. In both cases, triathletes
compete for a world title while covering a demanding course of many miles, by running, cycling, and
swimming. The first to reach the finish line is declared the winner. However, it takes sheer display of
athletic strength and stamina to be victorious in any one of these races.
Half the Distance
The primary and most important difference between the Ironman Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 is the
number of miles a triathlete is expected to cover to finish these races. In the Ironman 70.3 race, a
triathlete is expected to cover 70.3 miles of running track, bicycle tracks and waterbodies to complete
the race.
These 70.3 miles are divided into three courses of marathon running, cycling, and swimming and the
distance of each course covered in the Half Ironman race is exactly half of each course covered in the
Ironman Triathlon series. This disparity in distance covered, gives the Ironman 70.3 race, the
commonly known title of the Half Ironman series.
The Same Triathletes Compete in Both these Events
Owing to the fact that there are very little differences between both these triathlon events, it is quite
common for the same triathletes to compete in both these events. In fact, there are select and elite
triathletes who hold the record of winning both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon series.
In both events, the stamina and endurance levels of triathletes are tested and the champion of any
one of these series enjoys an elevated status as an athlete. Often times, the Ironman 70.3 champion
may automatically qualify for the Full Ironman World Series in the state of Hawaii in USA.
For fans of competitive sports, there is much excitement and thrills to be enjoyed by following both
the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 series. To know more about these series and the triathletes in these
series to look out for; head to www.racethread.com.