India's first Ironman race in Goa next year

The Ironman event in Goa will involve 1.9km of swimming, 90km of cycling and 21.1km of running -- near Panaji on October 20, 2019.

The four of them successfully finished the Malaysia leg of Ironman race.

India's first Ironman triathlon event will be held in Goa next year. The Ironman 70.3 race -- a 'half-Ironman', which involves 1.9km of swimming, 90km of cycling and 21.1km of running -- will take place near Panaji on October 20, 2019.

The race will begin on Miramar beach, with a two-loop swim course in the Arabian Sea. The bike leg will pass through the city and along the Mandovi river, for three laps of 30km each. The run course will begin and end near Miramar beach.

"We see a lot of potential in India. There are a number of Indian athletes who are travelling all around the world for such events," said Geoff Meyer, managing director, Ironman Asia, at a press meet here on Tuesday.

The Ironman Goa 70.3 is being hosted by Yoska, a fitness-technology company. "There are almost 15 local triathlon events in India. There's huge interest in the country," said Rudra Prasad Nanjundappa, Yoska's co-founder and director. "Last week at the Malaysia Ironman, there were around 70 Indians. In February, we had 120 at the Colombo 70.3. This event will put India on the Ironman world map."

The Ironman is a hugely popular worldwide series of triathlon events, described by Nanjundappa as "the Oscars of endurance sport". The inaugural Goa 70.3 is expected to attract at least 600 participants, including a large number from overseas. The race has 30 qualifying slots for the 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Taupo, New Zealand.

More details on www.ironman.com/goa70.3.