Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is gearing up to host the prestigious Ironman triathlon race for the fourth time on July 2, 2023, Astana Times reports. The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 international athletes, making it a truly global competition.
Ironman is a grueling triathlon that consists of three consecutive stages: a 3.86 km swim, a 180.25 km bike ride, and a 42.195 km marathon. For those looking for a slightly less demanding challenge, a half-distance option will also be available.
Alexey Sidorenko, the director of Ironman Kazakhstan, highlighted the diverse range of participants expected to compete in the event. Athletes from countries such as India, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, and the United States have registered to take part. Additionally, representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and South Africa will be among the participants.
“The largest number of international participants are registered for the half-race – 824 people from 60 countries. The top thirty finishers will participate in the World Championship in Lahti, Finland. Based on the results of the full distance, the 50 strongest athletes will get the unique opportunity to participate at the World Championship in Nice, France, on Sept. 10,” Sidorenko elaborated.
Talgat Amanbayev, Chairman of the Kazakh Tourism national company, highlighted the significance of the Ironman race for tourism in Kazakhstan. According to foreign experts, international participants spent over $1.8mn during their visit to the country last year. Many participants extend their stay to explore other regions of Kazakhstan, such as the scenic Burabay natural park, the vibrant city of Almaty, and the historical city of Turkistan.
In recent years, the Ironman competition has become one of the most important international events in Astana, attracting significant attention from both athletes and spectators. Last year's race drew a crowd of over 5,000 spectators, further cementing the event's status as a major sporting spectacle in the city.
As the countdown to the Ironman race in Astana begins, participants and organizers are eagerly preparing for an intense day of competition and showcasing the city's growing prominence in the world of triathlon.
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