If you've every chalked up endurance sports as being reserved for masochists, it's time to re-evaluate that concept. No doubt that IRONMAN Triathlons are among the ultimate swim-bike-run challenges.
Rooted in Hawaii, the notion for the original IRONMAN Triathlon was devised during the awards ceremony of the 1977 Oahu Perimeter Relay when Mid-Pacific Road Runners and Waikiki Swim Club participants debated which group's athletes were the fittest.
Tossing cyclists into the conversation, U.S. Navy Commander John Collins suggested that the argument be settled through a race that would merge a trio of long-distance competitions already taking place on the island - the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim 115-mile Around-Oahu Bike Race and 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon.
Today, the grueling IRONMAN format pitting participants against the clock, elements and other elite athletes has tweaked the bike distance slightly to 112 miles. A select number of age group qualifying slots are awarded for the epic IRONMAN World Championship that's held each October in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island.
A more civilized 70.3-mile version (1.2 + 56 + 13.1 miles = 70.3 miles) allows fitness enthusiasts to tackle that trio at half distances. Fortunately for fans of Mexico, the country features both in annual competitions throughout the country.
Mexico's Triathlons
To push it to the limit - or to cheer on others while they do - visit IronmanMexico.com for details on competitions held in Los Cabos, Cozumel, Campeche and Monterrey. While Los Cabos features a full and 70.3-mile version that follows the same route but covers only half the distances, Campeche and Monterrey offer only the latter.
Each website link provides specifics on routes, hotel packages and how to best transport bicycles to the destination. The site also caters to supporters and fans with information on VIP lounges and "hot spots" that are primo for viewing athletes in action.
When planning a visit to any of the four locations, be sure to book flights and accommodations early since triathletes and supporters plan travel well in advance.
Cozumel - Nov. 27, 2016
Famous worldwide for its coral reefs, Isla Cozumel is home to a bevy of coveted natural attractions including the iconic Chankanaab National Park and Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. A massive protected area at the southern tip of the island, the latter includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon that's a shelter for many of the island's endemic species and other endangered forms of life.
The IRONMAN Cozumel swim course is a point-to-point ocean challenge fringing the Mesoamerican Reef system. November's water temperature is typically around a pleasant 80.5F.
From Chankanaab Water Park, swimmers stroke past Chankanaab Pier and work their way back to the exit at Chankanaab Park. The bike section requires three counter clockwise laps along a flat, paved road starting at the Chankanaab parking lot and finishing at Cozumel's City Hall. Due to the strong cross winds during a portion of the bike segment, disc wheels are strictly forbidden.
The two-lap running route is flat and paved with only a few stairs going out of transition. Also starting and finishing at the Macroplaza, it travels along Santa Lucia River walk and inside the city's Fundidora Park.
For a list of host hotels, click on the map at ironman703monterrey.com/wordpress/index.php/host-hotel.
Los Cabos - Oct. 29, 2017
It was a Halloween treat for an international roster of world-class athletes striving to be their best where the sea, desert and mountains merge at Land's End. On Oct. 30, 2016, Los Cabos hosted IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 competitions in the same beautiful, dramatic Baja, Mexico setting that has attracted leisure travelers for decades.
Mexico's Mauricio Mendez Cruz took 70.3 first place honors by clocking a time of 3:57:17, while fellow countryman, Luis Fernando Pelcastre Rabanal, broke the full IRONMAN tape with an overall time of 9:45:35.
Set for October 29, the route should remain much the same for the 2017 competition - a swim through azure Sea of Cortez waters beginning at Playa Palmilla, and multiple-lap ride and marathon along the 20-mile corridor linking Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Check IronmanMexico.com for updates on special packages offered by such 2016 host hotels as Barcelo Grand Faro, Royal Decameron, Hotel Posada Real Los Cabos, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda Del Mar, Hyatt Place and Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton.
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