lifestyle, travel This is Cozumel
Cozumel Ironman
Ironman athletic competition.
 

World-famous triathlon athletic competition, Ironman, will come to Cozumel in 2009, announced the organizers earlier this month.

The endurance test of swimming, cycling and running will form part of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

The World Championship was started in Hawaii in 1978 and has grown in popularity year-on-year.

Last year, more than 1,780 competitors crossed the finish line with athletes ranging in age from 18 to 78 years old.

The new Cozumel event will include 50 qualifying slots for the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship, taking place on October 9, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

There will be a professional prize purse of $50,000 for distribution among the top five male and female finishers.

 
Cozumel Triathlon
Athlete at last year's event.

In Cozumel, the 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim will begin at the island's Chankanaab Park. Athletes will experience a picturesque swim with colorful fish and coral reefs during the two-loop course.

Following the first grueling challenge will be a 112 mile (180.2 km) cycle race on the roads around Cozumel, before finishing with a 26.2 mile (42.4 km) run, encompassing the downtown center of Cozumel.

The event will take place on on November 29, 2009. For more information or to register to participate visit the Ironman Cozumel website.

Photos by: Bakke-Svensson/Ironman.