IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio | 2022
The Ironman 70.3 Ohio in 2022 was held on Sunday, July 24th
Location: Sandusky, Ohio, along Lake Erie's shoreline.
Participants & Finishers: 1609 athletes competed, with 1388 finishing the race.
This was the first time the Ironman 70.3 Ohio was held in Sandusky, having moved from Delaware, Ohio, where it was held for five years previously.
Swim (1.2 miles)
Start: A unique rolling start involved athletes jumping off the Kelleys Island Ferry.
Course: One loop, ending back at the Paper District Marina. Buoys were color-coded (red for turns, yellow for swim-out, orange for swim-in) to aid navigation.
Challenges: Athletes had to be mindful of potential chop and current within the break wall area.
Bike (56 miles)
Course: A single loop through scenic Erie County and the rural farmland of Erie and Sandusky counties.
Terrain: Described as generally flat and fast, with approximately 790 feet of elevation gain. Some false flats and short climbs were present.
Conditions: The course was windy, requiring careful pacing. It was considered more technical than some flatter courses.
Aesthetics: Athletes enjoyed the scenery, including a field of sunflowers.
Run (13.1 miles)
Course: A two-loop route through historic downtown Sandusky.
Terrain: Flat and fast with an estimated elevation gain of less than 130 feet.
Spectator Friendly: The course was known for being spectator-friendly, with many people cheering from their front porches.
Challenges: The course had little shade, making heat and hydration management crucial.
Transition Area
Location: Paper District Marina.
Set-up: A single transition area (T1 and T2 in the exact location) in a converted car park.
Overall, the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Ohio presented a varied course with a unique swim start, a fast bike leg, and a spectator-friendly run through downtown Sandusky.
How did it go for me?
By 2022, I was very busy with responsibilities and had little time to train. This event was a deferral from 2021 that I couldn't attend after an AC Joint Separation, grade 3. I took this as a family trip. I met a couple of athletes I coach, it was a fun experience.
I took the entire event, from swimming to running, very easily. I finished 9th in my age group. I was thrilled and content that I completed this challenge in excellent spirits.
“Be undisturbed by a situation, and it will fall away of its own weight.”
