The Ironman Triathlon: A worldwide competition born out of a debate  

When we talk of global sporting events, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups are the names that cross our mind. But have you ever heard of a worldwide competition called Ironman Triathlon? Participants of this athletic event deem it to be the most difficult race on Earth. No, we aren’t talking about Tony Stark, The Ironman from Marvel series. The only things made of iron here are the will and strength of the participants.  

What is Ironman Triathlon? 
The Ironman Triathlon competition is organised worldwide, where the participants get together and compete for the title of Ironman! Organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC),  

The Ironman Triathlon is a racing event with three athletic disciplines: Swimming, cycling and a marathon to the finishing line. The candidates must swim in open water (3.8km), cycle for 180km, and run a marathon of 42.2km to reach the finishing line. The first triathlon began in 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Today, this is gruelling race known as the Ironman World Championship. Typically, the race takes around 16 or 17 hours to finish. 

A debate led to the Ironman Triathlon! 
The idea of the Ironman triathlon arose during an award ceremony for the 1977 Oahu Perimeter Relay (a running race comprising five-person teams). During the ceremony, a debate arose between the two clubs in Hawaii: Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club and the Waikiki Swim Club. The debate was regarding who are more fit, runners or swimmers. It was then that U.S Navy Commander John Collins pointed out that an article on sporting events declared a Belgian Cyclist, Eddy Merckx, had the highest recorded oxygen uptake of any athlete ever measured. This made cyclists the fittest athletes. To settle the debate, a race was held, combining all three sporting competitions: The Waikiki Roughwater Swim (3.8km), Around-Oahu Bike Race (180km), followed by the Honolulu Marathon (42.2km) to the finish line. It was decided that whoever finished the race first would be called the Ironman! This is how the Ironman Triathlon was born.  

Ironman 70.3--a half Ironman-distance triathlon 
The Ironman also has a variation, the Ironman 70.3 that is a half Ironman-distance triathlon. It comprises 1900 m swim, 90 km of biking followed by half the marathon. For people who do not wish to participate in a full-fledged Ironman Triathlon competition, Ironman 70.3 is a good alternative. But if you think this is going to be easy, think again. Like the Ironman Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 also requires months of intense training and preparation. It is a serious test of endurance and a big commitment for the participants.  

Winners of the Ironman title 
Like any other race, the Ironman triathlon has seen many winners, through the ages. The organisers even created the Ironman Hall of Fame for people who embodied the spirit of this race. The first inductee into the Ironman Hall of Fame was Dave Scott. He was inducted in 1993 because of his six Ironman title wins during the 1980s. Dave Scott is known as “The Man” in the triathlon world! And with six wins, he truly is worthy of this title.