Cork Ironman is a sell out for 2019

2,650 ATHLETES HAVE SIGNED UP AND IRONMAN IS NOW SOLD OUT

WHEN it comes to athletes pushing themselves to the limit, over 2,600 cannot get enough as the first-ever Ironman to be held in Cork is sold out.

The inaugural race will see 2,650 athletes take to the starting line in Youghal on June 23, 2019 to make it the largest ever field for any triathlon in Ireland.

Athletes from 62 different countries will compete in Ireland’s first-ever full Ironman race, with 55 per cent of participants descending on the Emerald Isle from overseas.

What’s more, the field will feature the highest contingent of USA athletes for any 2019 European Ironman so far, with 21 per cent coming from across the Atlantic.

Athletes will also be coming from countries such as Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Barbados, giving the race a truly-international feel.

Cork County Council is particularly proud to join forces with Ironman and bring Ireland’s first full Ironman to Cork.

They said this has been one of their fastest-selling events, one with global appeal. The event will bring an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy.

The race will get underway with a 3.8km (2.4mile) swim with a rolling start from the golden and sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay.

There follows a two-lap 180km (112mile) bike course.

Beginning in the centre of Youghal town, athletes will take on the challenge of climbing up the famous Windmill Hill twice, which undoubtedly will also become a spectator hotspot.

The athletes will then encounter a combination of flat, country roads and undulating coastal roads with magnificent sea views of Youghal Bay, Ballycotton Island and Cork Harbour.

This breathtaking course goes around the county, into the town of Midleton, and will rise to a maximum elevation of 190 metres above the town before a technical drop back into Youghal.

After tackling the bike course, the participants will embark on the 42km (26.2mile) running course, the highlight of this new event.

This will be a flat four-lap course through the centre of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower.

Athletes will run under the arch of the Clock Gate Tower in the centre of town during each lap before finally running under the iconic Ironman finishing arch at Green Park.

For more information on the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork, visit www.ironman.com/ireland.