Ironman events tend to draw intense, dedicated and committed athletes who embrace the challenge of pushing the limits of their endurance – all in pursuit of a goal that becomes achievable through proper training.

For a few of the 1,500 athletes expected for the Ironman 70.3 Kansas, the race will be a less-stressful extension of their professional lives.

At least two members of the elite Navy SEALs – the military program whose personnel work through Sea, Air and Land – are lined up to compete in the June 15 event at Clinton Lake, said Ryan Robinson, event co-director.

Aside from swimming 1.2 miles, cycling for 56 miles and running another 13.1 miles, SEALs also will be busy with events leading up to the competition. SEALs will make public appearances and operate the Navy Accelerator challenge course during the event’s Ironman Sports Expo, which is free and open to the public.

The Navy’s Parachute Team also will drop in with the American flag just before the race, giving the public and competitors alike a taste of the precision, training and focus required to be a part of one of the military’s most elite units.

It’s not by accident.

With some of the nation’s most proficient young athletes already lined up to compete in the Kansas event – it is billed as the national collegiate championships – SEALs will be around to answer questions, offer advice and provide examples for competitors who just might want to turn their training and commitment into the beginnings of a military career.

“SEALs and triathletes live the same conditioning lifestyle,” said Maria Brown, a Navy spokeswoman. “Potential SEAL/NSW-NSO (Navy Special Welfare and Navy Special Operations) recruits who are physically fit may qualify.”

Robinson, who works as a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy and has competed in several triathlons himself, knows that the Clinton Lake event will attract some participants who might be willing to accelerate their lives and become SEALs.

“These are people that are motivated and fit and like to challenge themselves,” Robinson said. “These are the types of people that can make it through their rigorous training.”