Published December 11, 2018 10:43AM
A Rad Winter Triathlon Destination: 70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta
Coachella Valley proved to be an ideal winter triathlon destination, with a picturesque desert backdrop and beautiful conditions.
Athletes embark on the 13.1-mile run course beneath the skyline of the snow capped San Jacinto Mountains. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Coachella Valley proved to be an ideal winter triathlon destination, with a picturesque desert backdrop and beautiful conditions. Despite some chilly water (that’s the winter part!), 2,300 athletes representing 37 countries and 47 states completed 1.2 miles of swimming in Lake Cahuilla. Then they took on a flat, single-loop, 56-mile bike course through La Quinta and Indian Wells down the area’s rural roads with spectacular views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains. They finished with a two-loop, 13.1-mile run that began at the famous Indian Wells Tennis Gardens and traversed much of the Indian Wells Golf Resort before returning to the Tennis Garden for a grand finish.
In the pro race, Lionel Sanders (CAN) took the win in a time of 3:45:59, while Chelsea Sodaro (USA) captured the women’s title with a time of 4:14:29 in her first 70.3 appearance.
Enjoy the gorgeous photos from Donald Miralle below. The 2019 event is set for Sunday, Dec. 15.