PORT ELIZABETH - AUGUST 30: A general view of the South African flag and athletes lines up on the beach during the parade of Nations leading up to the Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on August 30, 2018. Over 5 thousand athletes from 118 countries will be represented in this years 70.3 World Championship. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images for IRONMAN).
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The pre-race festivities for the 2018 Isuzu Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa are in full swing! Athletes got to try the swim course at Kings Beach or participate (or spectate!) in the Ndlovu 5K Fun Run. Other festivities included the parade of nations, pro press conference, and the IronKids Fun Run. The women take to the course on Saturday, Sept. 1, with the men following on Sunday, Sept. 2.
All photos: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
An athlete takes advantage of every second of daylight on Kings Beach as final preparation for the 2018 Isuzu Ironman 70.3 World Championship ahead.An athlete gets a feel for the swim course.On Thursday morning, the media got a chance to ask top professional triathletes what it will be like to take on the “The Fiercest Race in the Friendliest City.”Six-time Ironman world champion Dave Scott, race director of the Ironman World Championship Diana Bertsch, Ironman CEO Andrew Messick, 8-time Ironman world champion Paula Newby-Fraser, and six-time Ironman world champion Mark Allen pose for a photo during the parade of nations.Runners take a right-hand turn on the zebra crossing of Marine Drive in front of the Boardwalk Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa as they run in the Ndlovu 5K Fun Run.On Thursday morning a youngster smiles after successfully finishing the Ndlovu 5K Fun Run.Athletes from over 100 countries from around the globe conclude the Parade of Nations on Hobie Beach in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.The 70.3 World Championship hits the African continent for the first time in the race’s history. Nearly 4,500 registered athletes will take to the stunning Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa roads this weekend.Local residents share a piece of South Africa with athletes and spectators following the parade of nations.
