LAND OF ENDURANCE DAILY: 2022 INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY UTAH SPORTS COMMISSION DAILY RECAP FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
ST. GEORGE, Utah (October 27, 2022) — Athletes are putting the final touches on their race day preparations for the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission. With the women set to race this Friday and the men on Saturday, the anticipation and energy in IRONMAN Village and Greater Zion are undeniable. Here is the Land of Endurance Daily, a summary recapping activities, events, and highlights from the last 24 hours.
WELCOME BANQUET
All were welcome at Wednesday evening’s welcome banquet where athletes, friends, family, and spectators met over a shared meal, cultural performances, and excitement ahead of the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission.
WOMEN’S GEAR CHECK-IN
On the eve of their race day, the female athletes checked in their gear on Thursday, putting the final touches on their race day preparations. The women’s race day kicks off Friday morning with the professional women set for a 7:30 A.M. MT start and the final wave taking off at 9:06 A.M. with live coverage on Outside Watch.
OFFICIAL IRONMAN STORE
The Official IRONMAN Store is the place to be for gifts, memorabilia, and any last-minute race needs. Athletes, friends, and family have enjoyed browsing this year’s selection of swim, bike, and run gear while learning about the latest products and race nutrition from partners such as ROKA, HOKA, Hyperice, and Maurten.
LOCAL TRIATHLON ART AROUND ST. GEORGE, UTAH
St. George has a wealth of public art, including multiple pieces that honor the area’s connection to IRONMAN. Located at the roundabout at Tabernacle and Main Streets, the IRONMAN M-Dot statute is a three-dimensional piece designed by Utah father and son duo Richard and Josh Prazen. A Land of Endurance mural by local artist and professional cyclist T.J. Eisenhart is located on the south side of the Hometown Lenders building at 61 North Main Street. New this year, an exhibition of works by sculptor and triathlete John Diepeveen will be on display at ART Provides Gallery & Studio.
A Utah native, Diepeveen focuses his art on animals, skiers, climbers and triathletes. His exhibit is titled “The Art of Athletic Movement” and prominently includes his triathlon-inspired piece titled “Graceful Swimmer”.
A third-generation blacksmith, Richard Prazen has always been drawn to the art form of metalworking. Richard and his son, Josh, took that passion and channeled it into one of the most stunning art pieces currently residing in St. George, the IRONMAN M-dot sculpture.
Originally created to celebrate St. George hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in early 2021, the M-dot sculpture continues to serve as a centerpiece for athletes and spectators alike to pay tribute to the connection between IRONMAN and the Greater Zion region.
“What an honor it is to have something that we created being used as a photo backdrop for some of the most prestigious races and athletes in the world,” said Richard. “These athletes have trained relentlessly to be able to accomplish this and to think of what they have gone through to get there is incredible. To then have some of them proudly stand in front of our sculpture, it is such an honor.”
The monument was constructed to have four sides, with three sides focused on the sacrifice, hard work, and accomplishments of the athletes and then one side to celebrate the land of the Greater Zion region. It truly encapsulates why IRONMAN is so connected to the “Land of Endurance.”
“I think the surroundings are very beautiful and being able to swim and bike and run through that desert landscape and the red rock environment enhances that,” said Richard. “I think every step of the surroundings just adds to the event we wanted to emphasize the beautiful scenery and its impact on the event.”
In addition to the M-dot sculpture, there are multiple art installations throughout St. George that seek to pay tribute to the impact and legacy of endurance sports in this area.
“I feel that all of the art just enhances the fun and the excitement and the beauty of the event,” Richard said. “I think it makes everyone want to be involved in what is going on when the IRONMAN events come to town.”
LOOKING AHEAD TO TOMORROW
Friday women’s race day with athlete shuttles to Sand Hollow starting at 4:30 A.M. Athletes can find their shuttle load time in the Athlete Guide.
Bike and bike bag check-in for the men will take place from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Sand Hollow State Park and run bag check-in for the men will take place from 3:15 P.M. to 7:15 P.M. at Tabernacle St / 100W.
Women’s bike and gear check-out will be from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Tabernacle St / 100W.
PlayTri Bike Tech Support will be available at Town Square Park from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.