Land of endurance daily: 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission daily recap for Wednesday, October 26, 2022
ST. GEORGE, Utah (October 26, 2022) —The Land of Endurance was buzzing today with activities, events, and athletes all around. From the Land of Endurance Fun Run to professional athletes discussing race day strategies, there was something for everyone when it came to experiences to get race day ready in the lead up to the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission. Here is the Land of Endurance Daily, a summary recapping activities, events, and highlights from the last 24 hours.
LAND OF ENDURANCE FUN RUN
Wednesday morning started on the right foot with the Land of Endurance Fun Run, which took place at 8:30 AM, starting and finishing just behind the official 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission Finish Line. Participants took in the beauty of downtown St. George while feeling the fresh air in their lungs, shaking any travel out from their legs along the 2.8-mile course.
PRE-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE
Twelve of the best athletes in the world convened in the Electric Theater to talk strategy and thoughts leading into the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission. On the women’s side, Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR), Taylor Knibb (USA), Flora Duffy (BMU), Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR), Paula Findlay (CAN), and Holly Lawrence (GBR) took to the stage.
Speaking on the water at the ROKA swim course at Sand Hollow Reservoir, Paula Findlay remarked on how favorable she found the conditions during her practice swim: “The water is really beautiful, I think the transition from water to air will be the hardest part but once you are in the water it is actually really nice so maybe they can extend the swim, make it longer.”
In reflecting on her victory from the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission and excitement for this year’s race, defending IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay said, “Coming back to St. George and walking around the town I kind of got the memories from last year so if I can do anything close to last year’s performance then I will be over the moon.”
The women are set to race this Friday, October 28 with live coverage on Outside Watch.
On the men’s side, Gustav Iden (NOR), Sam Long (USA), Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR), Miki Taagholt (DNK), Frederic Funk (DEU), and Eric Lagerstrom (USA) talked shop ahead of their race, which will take place on Saturday, October 29 with live coverage also on Outside Watch.
Miki Taagholt expressed his excitement to be back in St. George sharing, “I had my breakthrough race here last year and being back here is amazing. I have so many amazing memories from last year. I love the course, love the atmosphere, love the city, love the support I feel I get when I’m going around the city.”
Defending IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion and new IRONMAN World Champion Gustav Iden talked about the benefits of the two days of racing saying, “It is going to be good to have time to watch the women because that is something you miss out on when you race the same day so I’m going to [cheer for the women] and I expect the same on Saturday from them.”
PARADE OF ATHLETES
Along with athletes from right here in St. George, athletes from as far as Egypt, New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan who have traveled from around the globe and some who have defied the odds to race in the world championship. These athletes gathered on Wednesday afternoon for the Parade of Athletes as they came together to celebrate the global nature of this year’s World Championship event.
A truly global contingent, over 6,000 registered athletes from 104 countries, regions, and territories have made their way to St. George, Utah to compete in the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission.
ATHLETE CHECK-IN AND IRONMAN VILLAGE
Over 6,000 registered athletes from 104 countries, regions and territories have been arriving in St. George, Utah and IRONMAN Village has become aglow throughout race week. Athlete check-in started Tuesday and continued today, Wednesday, and friendly volunteers and IRONMAN staff members were ready to greet the excited endurance athletes. Athlete check-in and IRONMAN Village are set up at Town Square Park where athletes, spectators, volunteers, and the local community can stop by the Official IRONMAN Store for some shopping, browse IRONMAN’s partner activations for the latest products, services, and gear in the sport of triathlon, and to get a feel for what the Land of Endurance is all about.
LOOKING AHEAD TO TOMORROW
Thursday, October 27 is the last day for athlete check-in, with all athletes able to check-in from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and men’s only check-in from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. IRONMAN Village and the IRONMANStore will also be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Bike and bike bag check-in for the women will take place from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sand Hollow State Park and run bag check-in for the women will take place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Tabernacle St / 100W.
The Media Center will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the St. George Library Washington County School District Building (WCSDB).