The past months have seen many East Londoners from different walks of life challenging themselves, breaking out of their comfort zones as they prepare for the 10th annual Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 to be hosted in Buffalo City.
They will in turn be joined on Sunday by contestants from many parts of South Africa as well as from dozens of countries around the globe.
Rated as one of the toughest of its kind in the World, Ironman 70.3 Buffalo City has become a must-do on many a bucket list.
The first of the athletes will begin the event with a 1.9km ocean swim at the Orient Beach. It can sometimes be more of a challenge than anticipated, however, indications are that with only a light breeze predicted at the start the conditions for the swim could indeed be quite mild.
The Orient is not known for its ferocity, but strong winds and choppy seas would impact on any swimmers’ progress.
The biggest challenge on the Buffalo City course is the 90km cycle. Contestants will emerge from the sea and embark on a brief run up past the side and back entrance to the Orient Theatre and onto the transition area.
Once on their bikes they will have about 2km of the esplanade to get into a rhythm before climbing up to the NE Express Way a reasonably fast section of road that will come to a dramatic end when the cyclists turn left and head on to the N2 in the direction of King William’s Town.
The roads are free of traffic as the local traffic authorities come to the party as indeed they do every year.
It is close to being a continuous climb on the way out to the Berlin off-ramp and turn around point. Every time the course offers some respite with a downhill or some flat it seems to result in yet another torturous up-hill.
The route back is much quicker, though some of the friendly down hills on the way out become villains on the return to transition.
The predicted wind is light easterly and should thus offer some cooling on the way in, but be of no hindrance.
Following the cycle, the athletes take to the road for a 21.1km run in the heat of the day and through one of the interesting sporting precincts of the city.
The temperature is expected to be in the region of 24°C on long-term forecast.
The first 2.5km are flat and fast, and pass by one of the cities Surfing competition spots at the foot of Moore Street.
Much like the cycle the turn, this time to the right, and up into Bunkers Hill is as tough an inclusion onto a road race as is generally the norm. On the right is the famous East London Golf Course home to many a great tournament.
A flat section past the EL Golf club entrance, the Buco Hockey Astro Turf and on towards Stirling High School is welcome, as is the downhill to the Nutting Hall, home of badminton.
The climb back out from the turnaround may not have the runners as receptive, but then the run back to the Orient to complete the first of two laps is much more accommodating and if strong, the athletes will make up time.
Before heading onto lap two, runners are directed along the historical East London Pier, at the entrance to the only River Port in Africa, situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River, which is in turn home the oldest and most prestigious Buffalo Regatta.
The finish at the Orient Beach is always alive with excitement, gratitude and camaraderie.
East Londoners brace for Ironman 70.3
They will in turn be joined on Sunday by contestants from many parts of South Africa as well as from dozens of countries around the globe.
Rated as one of the toughest of its kind in the World, Ironman 70.3 Buffalo City has become a must-do on many a bucket list.
The first of the athletes will begin the event with a 1.9km ocean swim at the Orient Beach. It can sometimes be more of a challenge than anticipated, however, indications are that with only a light breeze predicted at the start the conditions for the swim could indeed be quite mild.
The Orient is not known for its ferocity, but strong winds and choppy seas would impact on any swimmers’ progress.
The biggest challenge on the Buffalo City course is the 90km cycle. Contestants will emerge from the sea and embark on a brief run up past the side and back entrance to the Orient Theatre and onto the transition area.
Once on their bikes they will have about 2km of the esplanade to get into a rhythm before climbing up to the NE Express Way a reasonably fast section of road that will come to a dramatic end when the cyclists turn left and head on to the N2 in the direction of King William’s Town.
The roads are free of traffic as the local traffic authorities come to the party as indeed they do every year.
It is close to being a continuous climb on the way out to the Berlin off-ramp and turn around point. Every time the course offers some respite with a downhill or some flat it seems to result in yet another torturous up-hill.
The route back is much quicker, though some of the friendly down hills on the way out become villains on the return to transition.
The predicted wind is light easterly and should thus offer some cooling on the way in, but be of no hindrance.
Following the cycle, the athletes take to the road for a 21.1km run in the heat of the day and through one of the interesting sporting precincts of the city.
The temperature is expected to be in the region of 24°C on long-term forecast.
The first 2.5km are flat and fast, and pass by one of the cities Surfing competition spots at the foot of Moore Street.
Much like the cycle the turn, this time to the right, and up into Bunkers Hill is as tough an inclusion onto a road race as is generally the norm. On the right is the famous East London Golf Course home to many a great tournament.
A flat section past the EL Golf club entrance, the Buco Hockey Astro Turf and on towards Stirling High School is welcome, as is the downhill to the Nutting Hall, home of badminton.
The climb back out from the turnaround may not have the runners as receptive, but then the run back to the Orient to complete the first of two laps is much more accommodating and if strong, the athletes will make up time.
Before heading onto lap two, runners are directed along the historical East London Pier, at the entrance to the only River Port in Africa, situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River, which is in turn home the oldest and most prestigious Buffalo Regatta.
The finish at the Orient Beach is always alive with excitement, gratitude and camaraderie.
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