Rubavu, 15 August 2022 (TDI): Rwanda hosted the 2022 Ironman Triathlon Competition, also known as the Half race for the first time.
The event took place in Rwanda’s Rubavu district, on 14th August 2022. The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon is also the most demanding global sporting event in the world.
What a great experience it was today in @RubavuDistrict for the inaugural @IRONMAN_Rwanda 70.3!
Congratulations to all participants and especially to all winners.We wish the best luck to those who qualified for the World Championships!
Warm welcome in next year’s season. pic.twitter.com/K7VQQiJq8c
— Ministry of Sports|Rwanda (@Rwanda_Sports) August 14, 2022
Global Events organized the competition in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Development Board.
Three Sporting Competitions
The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon combines three sporting competitions namely cycling, swimming, and marathon. The ‘70.3’ refers to the overall distance to be completed by the participants. It also includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
According to Sports Minister, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwanda’s inclusion on the Ironman 2022 event schedule is a mark of confidence in the country’s ongoing efforts to promote itself as a sports destination of choice.
Over 150 athletes from 37 different nations, including 28 Rwandan nationals participated in the Triathlon competition.
Ilya Slepov from Russia was the first male individual to finish Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. Moreover, Berber Kremer from the Netherlands was the first woman to cross the finish line.
By hosting such events Rwanda wishes to establish itself as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
Through such events, people will be able to know the beauty of the country. Rwanda also offers a unique experience and is one of the most impressive countries in the world.
A videographer catches the moments close to the action @Iron_Man in Rubavu, Rwanda. #VisitRwanda pic.twitter.com/WCLMw3kRQ0
— Clare Akamanzi (@cakamanzi) August 14, 2022
Rwanda will also host the next two consecutive editions of the competition in 2023 and 2024. Rubavu maintains the status of the yearly host city for the event.
Furthermore, the competition offers qualifying spots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled for 26-27 August next year in Finland.
