Ironman 70.3 Timberman Race and Festival in Gilford this Weekend!

Over 3,500 athletes from across the country and around the globe are coming to Lake Winnipesaukee this Saturday and Sunday to compete in the 10^th edition of the Timberman Sprint and Ironman 70.3 Timberman Triathlons.  Named the #1 “Must-do Triathlon Adventure” by Triathlete Magazine, Timberman has something for everyone, including Timber Camp for kids!

The traditional Ironman race is one of the most challenging sporting events in the world, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete 26.2-mile marathon, all in succession.  The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is half the classic race, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—still pretty tough!

The Ironman 70.3 Timberman is a scenic course that begins with a swim in the fresh waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, followed by a bike course that includes plenty of rolling hills, and finally a two-loop run that travels along the shores of the lake with spectacular views of the White Mountains.  The Ironman 70.3 will take place on Sunday, and offers the 2,200 competitors a chance at the $30,000 professional prize purse as well as 50 slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, which will take place on Nov. 13^th in Clearwater, Florida.

On Saturday, over 1,300 athletes will race in the Timberman Sprint short-distance triathlon, which will take them on a .3-mile swim, a 15-mile bike, and a 3-mile run with the same beautiful setting.  Saturday afternoon will also give older kids a taste of the sport in the TimberKids Adventure Race.  All races will begin and end at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, NH.

For children ages 3 – 13, Timber Camp will be the place to be on Sunday!  This special event will take place at Gunstock Mountain Resort, offering kids a “multi-sport” day of activities such as mountain biking, mini golf, and swimming.  There will also be paddleboats, kayaks, and a climbing wall!  The staff has planned a special activity to celebrate the success of the triathletes, and all campers will be able to win prizes in everyone’s favorite extreme water balloon toss, Winger!

The weekend-long TimberFest at Gunstock will feature a sports & fitness expo, seminars for both the novice and seasoned triathlete, the Ironman Champions dinner, and live music by Paul Warnick.  After the race on Sunday, athletes can kick back and enjoy the TimberParty Clambake & Lobsterfest!

Come to Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend to catch some world-class racing and cheer on these fine athletes, all while enjoying the beauty of NH in August.  You just might find some new inspiration!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photos courtesy of asiphoto.com