By Noah Nielson
The Ironman Race
The Iron man triathlon race is not something for the weak of heart and mind. These races are designed to test the physical and mental resilience of those brave enough to enter. They require intense training to prepare for the brutality of the endurance required to complete the event. These races consist of 3 brutal, challenging, long distance events. A 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112 mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride, and then a marathon which is a 26.22 mile (42.20 km) run. These races have a time limit of 16-17 hrs. for the competitors to complete the race. The name “Ironman Triathlon” is associated with what is known to be the Ironman World Championship which is held in Kailua-Kona Hawaii. The Ironman World Championship is known for its blistering pace, grueling length, and less than ideal racing condition.
The Destination
St. George Utah was selected for this event because of its iconic landscape. The St. George course snakes its way between 2 state parks with incredible views of red rock and beautiful deserts. The competitors are treated with views all along the course.
Around 2,500 athletes attempted the grueling Ironman. Competitors have traveled from all over the world to compete in this momentous event. St. George Utah is the second and only other location that has held the Ironman Championship other than Hawaii. The two locations are extremely different from each other, one being a desolate dry desert oasis, and the other being a tropical flourishing paradise. The swimming portion of the event was held at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane Utah which was around 60 degrees. Then the biking portion of the event starts at Sand Hallow Reservoir and wraps around the backside of the lake and then head towards Washington before starting the infamous climb through Snow Canyon State Park. Once the participants reach the St. George Town Square they transition to their run and head on the one loop course that starts down Bluff Street before climbing up Red Hills Parkway. The world truly got to behold the glory of Southern Utah and experienced a glimpse of why so many hold it near and dear to their hearts.
A People Itching to Be Involved
As the new location was selected for the World Championship of the Ironman Triathlon, peoples initial thoughts were cautious and uneasy but the people of St. George showed up in flocks to support these incredible athletes. People came to hand out water and ice. Others even joined sections of the course with the athletes in hopes to uplift their spirits. Cheers were given to every athlete as they passed locals sitting in their lawn chairs. Each athlete was welcomed with open arms and the support of people inspired by these incredible athletes. People lined the buildings and overtook the Town Square to watch in wonder at these Iron Men and Women. Children sat and stared in wonder as they watched athletes taking on the course. There had been some political present themselves with hosting the event on the island of Hawaii but regardless of political party, race, or gender the city of St. George was more than generous to all who attended. Everyone was welcomed with open arms.
Event Standings
Men
1. Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) — 7:49:16
2. Lionel Sanders (CAN) — 7:54:03
3. Braden Currie (NZL) — 7:54:19
4. Chris Leiferman (USA) — 7:57:51
5. Florian Angert (GER) — 7:59:35
6. Leon Chevalier (FRA) — 8:01:41
7. Daniel Bækkegård (DEN) — 8:02:06
8. Sam Laidlow (FRA) — 8:02:56
9. David McNamee (GBR) — 8:04:36
10. Ben Hoffman (USA) — 8:06:38
Women
1. Daniela Ryf (SUI) — 8:34:59
2. Kat Matthews (GBR) — 8:43:49
3. Anne Haug (GER) — 8:47:03
4. Skye Moench (USA) — 8:55:21
5. Ruth Astle (GBR) — 9:00:09
6. Lisa Norden (SWE) — 9:03:31
7. Laura Siddall (GBR) — 9:08:34
8. Fenella Langridge (GBR) — 9:09:40
9. Gurutze Frades Larralde (ESP) — 9:13:35
10. Maya Stage-Nielsen (DEN) — 9:14:32
noah.nielson2@gmail.com
Noah Nielson grew up in Delta Utah with his parents and 2 brothers. Growing up with 2 brothers, and in a small farm town, he quickly learned the definition of hard work. Noah encountered plenty of opportunities to get his hands dirty and serve others in his community. His hometown sparked a passion inside of him for patriotism and a love for this wonderful country. Noah’s parents taught him extremely valuable lessons throughout his youth that have served him well into adulthood. He loves to play baseball and be in the mountains. Some of his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and anything to do with cars. Noah attended Delta High School and participated in many sports throughout his time there. Upon graduation he served a full-time mission for his church “The church of Jesus Christ.” When he returned home, Noah attended Snow College and later transferred to Dixie State University. He loves telling stories and making other people laugh. Noah found a passion for writing and has enjoyed learning and growing. Some of his biggest goals in life are to provide for a family and to make his parents proud.