IRONMAN athletes excited to experience Jacksonville in a new way
The big day finally arrived as nearly 2,000 athletes from 39 countries gathered in Jacksonville Saturday morning for the city’s first-ever IRONMAN race. The grueling, multi-stage triathlon kicked off at 7:30 a. m.
with competitors diving into the St. Johns River for a 2. 4-mile swim.
After conquering the waters, athletes transitioned at Memorial Park to pick up their bicycles and embark on a 112-mile trek across the region, which will be followed by a final 26. 2-mile marathon. For many participants, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience the River City like never before.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< “They’re a lot of fun. They are addictive,” said athlete Tami Meyer from Kansas City, who temporarily stepped away from retirement just to compete today. “I came out of retirement to do this one because I lived in Jacksonville for a period of time.
” Others are using the inaugural event to break out of their standard fitness routines. “I got bored of the gym. It was so repetitive,” said South Florida athlete Santiago Barrere, who this is his first Marathon.