East London - The fifth East London leg of the gruelling Spec-Savers 70.3 Ironman has attracted the largest number of triathletes since the competition was first hosted by the city in 2008.
Over 3 000 athletes have signed up and are expected to take part in the race on Sunday, January 22, making it one of the biggest races in the world in over 50 races held in the Ironman series around the globe.
"We're extremely proud to have achieved this milestone. To have done so on the fifth anniversary of the event makes it all the more remarkable.
"This achievement is testament to the level of organisation, professionalism of the organisers, quality of the event and the attraction of the Eastern Cape and Buffalo City," said World Endurance South Africa managing director Keith Bowler.
He said for the event to display such growth in the current economic climate was truly phenomenal and spoke volumes of the high regard athletes have for this event.
The 2012 leg features runners from 37 different countries, from as far away as Yemen and the USA.
"Unsurprisingly, the field is dominated by South African athletes, who account for close to 2 800 of the 3 000 athletes, with over 40 athletes from the United Kingdom and 15 from the USA. Being Africa's only Ironman 70.3 event, athletes from Africa will always call this event their own," added Bowler.
The race encompasses three stages, a 1.9km swim off Orient Beach, followed by a 90km cycle on the N2 highway and ending with a 21.1km run around the Esplanade.
Three aid stations will be set up for the cyclists at the 20km, 45km and 60km marks, with three separate stations being set up for the running stage as well.
"This is not just a race. It is an incredible journey of self-exploration and self-discovery. Being able to rub shoulders with some of the world's best triathletes, pitting wits against fellow amateurs and ultimately facing the biggest challenge of all, the race against yourself, is what Ironman is all about,"
