6 Reasons to Take the IRONMAN Relay Challenge

Triathlon might be an individual sport, but it doesn't have to be lonely. If you're looking to participate in your first IRONMAN 70.3 this fall in China, but you're wondering whether you'll have the time to train, you should consider a relay. Relays are teams of three athletes, where one athlete swims, another bikes, and another runs. They offer a unique race experience with all the excitement.

Whether you've always wanted to complete a triathlon or have been athletic all your life, there's still plenty of time left to train for one of our two new events in China.

Choose to challenge yourself at the full event—consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—or team up with a few friends or colleagues for the relay. Relays offer the perfect way to participate in a triathlon but with a lighter training commitment.

Read on for why you should consider joining a relay team for one of our upcoming events, IRONMAN 70.3 Hefei (October 16, 2016), or IRONMAN 70.3 Xiamen (November 13, 2016).

6 Reasons to Rally for a Relay

1. You are relatively fit, and maybe have done a few running races. Due to life circumstances this year, however (work and family commitments), you haven't built up enough training time to complete the full event, but you'd still like to participate.

2. You've been doing a single-discipline focus (ie: running) and could nail a half-marathon if you didn't have to swim and ride first.

3. The idea of experiencing an IRONMAN event without the logistical challenges and training investment appeals to you.

4. Can you say "fully catered training day?"

5. Everything is more fun with friends.

6. Pushing yourself for yourself is one thing, but not wanting to let down your team brings a new element to racing.

Ready to take on the journey of a lifetime? Visit ironman.com/hefei70.3 and ironman.com/xiamen70.3 for more information.