This year, one of the most remarkable competitions among non-traditional sports in Azerbaijan will be the "Ironman 70.3" triathlon tournament. The race will be held in Baku on September 5, and although there are still more than six months left until the start, a number of details are already known.
İdman.Biz reports that "Ironman 70.3" is considered half of the "iron distance" and is equal to 113 kilometers in total. This will be the first such race not only in the Caucasus, but also in the entire post-Soviet space, and will bring together athletes from different countries of the world. The program includes 1.9 km of swimming, a 90 km cycling stage and a 21.1 km run.
In addition to the main start, the organizers are planning several parallel events. These include "Ironkids" children's races, an entertainment program, and the "Ironman Expo" exhibition area. The goal is to combine sports with the cultural and tourism potential of the capital.
As for the route, the swimming stage will take place in the Baku Bay, which promises relatively calm water conditions for triathletes. The cycling race will cover both urban and suburban areas, with suitable sections for gaining speed and gentle slopes. The running stage will be organized on the Seaside Boulevard with minimal elevation changes, which will allow for relatively fast results.
Registration for "Ironman 70.3 Baku" is already open, and anyone who is at least 18 years old by the race day can apply. The start is expected to give impetus to the rise of triathlon to a new level in Azerbaijan and in the Caucasus as a whole. Organizing a race under the Ironman brand means high organizational, safety and infrastructure standards.
The brand management considers Baku's inclusion in the international calendar as an important step in expanding the popularity of the series in new regions, especially in the post-Soviet space and Eurasia. Baku's successful hosting of "Formula 1" and other major tournaments, as well as favorable transport and climate conditions for September, played a key role in making the decision.