In a 70.3 World Championships for the ages, over 6,000 age-group athletes from 104 countries, regions, and territories took Ironman’s “Land of Endurance” in St. George. The United States of America was the most represented nation with 2,331 registered athletes, followed by France (472), Canada (448), United Kingdom (405), Germany (348), and Australia (245); Other athletes from countries as far as Egypt, New Zealand, and South Africa made the trip to southern Utah for the race.
Photographers Patrick McDermott and Donald Miralle were on the ground, capturing the sweat and smiles that could be seen on every corner of the course. Scroll on for their best images from the weekend.
The stoke levels were high as women geared up to race on the first day of the two-day world championship event.
Though cold (water temperatures hovered around 62 degrees, and air temperatures were below 40), Sand Hollow was a beautiful environment for the championship event.
After exiting the swim, athletes headed out on the 56-mile bike course that looped through many of the highlights of southern Utah.
Snow Canyon was a highlight of the race for many age groupers, with its steep climbs and gorgeous red rock scenery.
A new run course this year meant athletes got to go “off-road” for a bit as they traversed the rolling hills of the Dixie Red Hills Golf Course.
With just over a minute to spare to the cut off, athlete Zeinab Razaie was the final finisher during the women’s day, though her finish was one of the most profound as she became the first woman from Afghanistan to ever start or complete the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
RELATED: #MyTri: Triathlon Gave Me a Voice—Now I’m Helping Fellow Women in Afghanistan Find Theirs
As the sun rose over Sand Hollow on day 2 of racing, age-group men filed into the water for their turn on the championship course.
More than 6,000 age-group athletes qualified for this year’s event, which was spread over two days of racing split into women’s and men’s competitions.
The athletes weren’t the only ones who brought their “A” game to St. George – spectators also delivered their best performances of the season from the sidelines.
Age groupers make their way through the iconic bike course of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George.
The fun continued on the run, as athletes tackled on a new run course in St. George for this year’s event.
The finish line was a welcome sight for sore eyes (and tired legs).