Ironman 70.3 weekend event starts

May 19, 2017

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Competitors from all over started to check-in Friday for the Ironman 70.3.

More than 3,000 athletes, of all ages, representing 23 countries and 48 states are registered to compete.

“I’m from Baton Rogue, Louisiana,” Layna Rush, who is competing in the race, said. “South Louisiana is flat. We have to go about an hour north to even find a hill. So, it’s a challenge to run and ride the hills for us.”

The 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run goes through Tennessee and North Georgia.

This is the fourth year Chattanooga has hosted the triathlon and expected turnout is high.

“We anticipate to have 6,000 people from out of town, here to cheer on their family member or friends who’s participating,” Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitor Bureau President and C.E.O Bob Doak said.

Preps of all kinds for the race started well in advance.

Chattanooga Police started planning a year ago.

Chattanooga Police Lt. Austin Garrett said there is a variety of over two dozen agencies that collaborate for the event

“We’ve been working on everything from traffic control plan to security control plans, man power, weather,” Lt. Garrett said.

As for the competitors, for most the half Ironman isn’t a last minute decision.

It’s a complete lifestyle change that requires months of continuous training.

Take it from Chattanooga Resident Anna Varnell, in 2015 she competed in her first half ironman in her home state.

“So, in order to get faster you’ve got to do certain exercises and get stronger and things like that. So, it was a whole new learning process, and learning how to eat and things like that,” Varnell said.

Ironman events roll on all weekend, and finish Monday morning with awards ceremonies.