Ironman South Africa celebrates 10 years of human endurance

Entries for the 2014 IRONMAN South Africa event now open
 
The pinnacle of human endurance events in Africa, the IRONMAN South Africa hosted by World Endurance Africa Holdings in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa annually, is expecting a sold-out field when it celebrates its 10-year anniversary on Sunday 6 April 2014.
 
The endurance triathlon event which sees over 2000 athletes take on a new 3.8km sea swim course, followed by a 180.2km bike and 42.2km marathon in 17 hours or less, is considered one of the top IRONMAN international series races and is a qualifier for the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
 
2013 IRONMAN South Africa champions Ronnie Schildknecht of Switzerland and Jessie Donovan of the USA rated the event among the top races that they have ever participated in.
 
“I really had one of the best days in my career. The spectators were crazy; never before [have I] seen something so special. I got energized from their enthusiasm,” said Schildknecht of the IRONMAN South Africa in which he claimed a stellar victory of 08:11:24.
 
Female 2013-champion, Donavan also considers the race a new favourite:  “The last half-mile under the bridge and to the end of the red carpet felt like it took forever. All of the amazing South African fans were screaming and yelling for me and I remember looking at the hands that people were putting out for me to high five as I went by thinking if I do that I think they will knock me over. As soon as I hit the end of the red carpet it all went away. The cheerleaders, the crowds, confetti, they really know how to make you feel special!” she said of her 09:10:58 win.
 
Athletes and spectators will be treated to a celebration weekend starting on Friday 4 April 2014, culminating in the main IRONMAN South Africa on Sunday 6 April 2014 and ended off by the 10-year anniversary Awards Ceremony on Monday evening 7 April.
 
Entries for the 10-year IRONMAN South Africa event are now open with close to 200 entries received within the first 24 hours.   Athletes are encouraged to enter early as spaces for this historical event are limited.  Entries and more information on www.ironmansouthafrica.com, on Twitter at @IMSouthAfrica or Facebook on Facebook.com/ironmansouthafrica.