Triathletes show vigorous strength at the ITU Triathlon World Cup

The New Plymouth ITU Triathalon World Cup took place on March 31, marking it as the third ITU Triathalon World Cup. The event was held at the Ngamotu Breach and the surrounding scenic roads of Taranaki in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Triathalon is a multi-sport competition where atheletes have to swim a distance of 750 meter, bike for 20 kilometers, and to finish it off, run for a grueling 5 kilometers.

At the beginning of the race, the athletes performed at a similar level to each other. But soon after they finished swimming, the difference in each athlete’s stamina level began to show. Slowly, the gap between the leading and the lagging atheletes for both the mens’ and womens’ races grew bigger and bigger. At the end of the race, two winners, one for each gender, ran past the finish line to claim the gold medal, and the grand winner’s prize. Luckily for some of the trailing runners, there were prizes avaiable for athletes up to the 15th runner. Depending on their finishing position, the racers received a certain amount of money, ranging from 7,500 USD for 1st place to 150 USD for 15th place.

While the winners of the two races were celebrating along with the other prize winners, some of the racers were slowly jogging, trying to finish the race. Some of the late finishers were sagging their head, disappointed with their performance. Others on the other hand were lifting their heads high, satisfied that they set a new personal record. And last but not least, there was still a small percentage of competitors that weren’t able to complete the race, with one athlete not even turning up for the race after he signed up for it.

It takes a lot of stamina and strong mentality to be able to finish a triathalon course, so the runners who finished the course have accomplished a great feat. The racers have trained their whole life for this event, and there was a huge range in the ages of the racers, starting from as young as 19 to 32 years old. Many of the racers were not content with their performances and they will train harder to improve in the next ITU Triathalon World Cups.

Featured image- Atheletes finishing strong in the swim course Photo Courtesy of Triathalon.org

by Andy Kim