Ironman day has arrived

Want to see the athletic extravaganza? Get there early

Kyle Sanders, of Chicago, does sit-ups during a Navy SEAL physical prowess course Saturday at the Ironman 70.3 Kansas rally point at Ninth and New Hampshire streets. Sanders said he isn't competing in the Ironman race today, but he would like to compete in a sprint triathlon one day.

Illustration by Karl Gehring

Past Event

When: Sunday, June 15, 2008, 7 a.m.
Where: Clinton Lake Marina, Lawrence
More on this event....

The action is at Clinton Lake today.

More than 4,000 spectators are expected to descend on Clinton Lake State Park this morning for Ironman 70.3 Kansas, a triathlon involving more than 1,000 athletes.

Tom Ziebart, co-director of the race, said spectators should head toward the water for the best view.

"The beach is where everything is. The swim starts and finishes at the beach," Ziebart said. "The transition is in the parking lot next to the beach. The finish line is probably 100 feet away from the beach. So, go to the beach."

Participants will swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles.

The race starts at 6:45 a.m., and spectators should get there early.

"If you can get there by 8 a.m., you can still get into the park," Ziebart said. "If you're later than that, the road closes, because the bikes start coming back."

Spectators heading to the park in the morning must enter from the south on County Road 458. The northern section of County Road 458 will be closed between 7:10 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Shuttles, which will run every 20 minutes between 8:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., will give the public access to the Iron-Cross, the best spot for watching the bike course.

Organizers also suggest that observers be prepared for a day outdoors. The recommended supply list includes a lawn chair, insect repellent, cash for food and drink, a hat, sunglasses, a beach volleyball, cowbell, and signs to cheer on the athletes.

And spectators also should prepare with sunscreen, coolers, and other must-haves.

"Bring plenty of water," Ziebart said. "It's going to be hot out there."

For those who pack their bags and make the trek, the event won't disappoint, said Bob Sanner, sports director for the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"The way that the Ironman series produces an event at the beginning of the race you'll probably think you're at a rock concert," Sanner said. "It's just a lot of energy, a lot of excitement."

throatwobbler 5 years ago

triathletes are greedy and gluttonous? I don't think you know what those words mean... Try competitive and lean. Thats more appropriate. Waste of resources? As in the triathletes are wasting their precious red blood cells and burning up heart beats (you only have so many you know). Its nice to see healthy people out and about for a change.At least they're not going to trash the park like the Wak fest participants, or be taken to the hospital because they don't know which mushrooms are ok to ingest. THAT is a waste of resources.

tonythetiger 5 years ago

That's okay... I think your comments are completely unnecessary as well.

Commenting has been disabled for this item.

Archive for Sunday, June 15, 2008