Differences and Similarities between Ironman Triathlon and Half Ironman Triathlon

The World Triathlon Corporation, also known as WTC; organizes a number of triathlons races every year. Among these popular annual series of triathlon races; the Ironman and Half Ironman Triathlons are debatably the most popular. These two annual races are typically long distances endurance and stamina challenges for triathletes, and are known to attract some of the most elite triathletes from around the world. Similarly, these triathlon races are closely followed by sports fans from around the world and the winners of these triathlon series are known to enjoy almost instant worldwide recognition, post victory. Bearing in mind the significance of these triathlon races; let's look at the differences and similarities between the two.

Both are organized by the World Triathlon Corporation

Both the Half Ironman Triathlon series, also known as Ironman 70.3, and Ironman Triathlon are organized by the World Triathlon Corporation, and in both triathlon series, triathletes compete for a world title.

Both are Triathlons

Those with little exposure to triathlon races must understand that with the Ironman 70.3 series and the Ironman; the nature of these demanding sporting events is the same. In both cases, triathletes compete for a world title while covering a demanding course of many miles, by running, cycling, and swimming. The first to reach the finish line is declared the winner. However, it takes sheer display of athletic strength and stamina to be victorious in any one of these races.

Half the Distance

The primary and most important difference between the Ironman Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 is the number of miles a triathlete is expected to cover to finish these races. In the Ironman 70.3 race, a triathlete is expected to cover 70.3 miles of running track, bicycle tracks and waterbodies to complete the race.

These 70.3 miles are divided into three courses of marathon running, cycling, and swimming and the distance of each course covered in the Half Ironman race is exactly half of each course covered in the Ironman Triathlon series. This disparity in distance covered, gives the Ironman 70.3 race, the commonly known title of the Half Ironman series.

The Same Triathletes Compete in Both these Events

Owing to the fact that there are very little differences between both these triathlon events, it is quite common for the same triathletes to compete in both these events. In fact, there are select and elite triathletes who hold the record of winning both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon series.

In both events, the stamina and endurance levels of triathletes are tested and the champion of any one of these series enjoys an elevated status as an athlete. Often times, the Ironman 70.3 champion may automatically qualify for the Full Ironman World Series in the state of Hawaii in USA.

For fans of competitive sports, there is much excitement and thrills to be enjoyed by following both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 series. To know more about these series and the triathletes in these series to look out for; head to www.racethread.com.