ST. GEORGE — Athletes who compete in the Ironman 70.3 event here have made it clear it is one of their favorite venues.
According to a news release from the Ironman organization, out of the more than 120 Ironman 70.3 races nationwide, St. George is the third most recommended event globally, based on the result of Ironman’s 2023 Athletes’ Choice Awards.
Specifically, the event that triathletes ranked so high was the 2023 Intermountain Health Ironman 70.3 North American Championship, which was staged May 6.
Finishing ahead of St. George were Frankfort, Michigan, at No. 1, and Elsinore, Denmark, at No. 2. Rankings are based on post-event surveys sent to all athletes who completed an Ironman 70.3 triathlon across the globe.
According to the press release:
St. George race day is like no other. In a land sculpted by persistence and determination, athletes looking for an epic challenge will navigate a path through two iconic state parks, basalt lava fields and a fragile desert reserve as they rise to conquer one of the most prestigious and striking events in the world. Greater Zion’s breathtaking scenery and views of the surrounding red rock canyons have made the region an ideal destination for athletes for years.
The 70.3-mile race includes swimming, cycling and running. While the swimming portion starts the race at Sand Hollow State Park, the remainder takes place on some of the county’s roadways as it cuts through parts of Hurricane, Washington City, St. George, Ivins and Snow Canyon State Park before finishing at Town Square Park in downtown St. George.
The Ironman website also provides a descriptor for prospective athletes, as follows:
The adventure doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line. Greater Zion’s breathtaking scenery and views of the surrounding red rock canyons have made the region an ideal destination for athletes for years. With a million-year geologic history and a desert location at the edge of the Pine Valley Mountains and Zion National Park, St. George is the poster child of the American Southwest. n this desert of extremes, a land carved by ancient seas, a challenge lies waiting. Rise to it. This is the Land of Endurance.
Following are details regarding the 2023 Athletes’ Choice Awards and Intermountain Health Ironman 70.3 North American Championship St. George:
- For every Ironman 70.3 race, event surveys were sent post-event to all athletes who completed the race. Based on the cumulative results, the Top 5 events globally were ranked, as well as separate rankings for the top 3, regionally.
- Survey questions asked were on a five-point satisfaction scale. Most Recommended Race, Overall Swim Experience, Overall Bike Experience, Overall Run Experience and Overall Satisfaction.
- The awards serve to recognize exceptional event aspects within an already curated series of events, helping triathletes to select their future race destinations using peer-based recommendations or fan favorites.
- The 2024 edition Intermountain Health Ironman 70.3 North American Championship St. George will take place on May 4. Click here for registration information.
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