Poznań will host the IRONMAN 70.3 competition!

Poznań is another Polish city, after Gdynia and Warsaw, to host the most recognizable series of triathlon competitions in the world. Information about joining the capital of Greater Poland to the legendary series was announced by Michał Drelich, director of IRONMAN Poland, during the annual presentation organized at The Westin Warsaw Hotel.

Michał Drelich, director of IRONMAN Poland

We are very pleased that we are adding IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań and 5150 Poznań to our portfolio of IRONMAN events in Poland. This is another milestone for the contemporary Polish triathlon scene, but also a tribute to its history, because the swimming stage will take place in Lake Kierskie, where the first triathlon competition in Poland took place in 1984. We are looking forward to a great triathlon weekend in Poznań and we will continue to devote all our energy to creating the best possible event for our competitors, partners and the host city.

The capital of Greater Poland is an ideal place to organize such prestigious triathlon competitions, argued Jacek Jaśkowiak, the Mayor of Poznań.

Jacek Jaśkowiak, the Mayor of Poznań

Poznań is a polish leader in organizing events that activates its residents. Our largest runs, such as Poznań Marathon, Poznań Half Marathon, Wings For Life World Run or Independence Run, have the highest attendance in the country. For many years, we have been consistently developing the project of a bicycle race for amateurs in the Gran Fondo cycle. We have a large share in the promotion of the triathlon in Poland - since 2013 one of the largest competitions in the country has been held at Poznań's Malta, currently in the Super League Triathlon series. In 2022, the portfolio of our events will increase by another multisport competition due to the invitation to cooperation of the international organization IRONMAN. We hope that thanks to this, Poznań will appear on the map of the most legendary series of competitions, and players from all over the world will come to our city and will be able to see that not only is we famous for perfect organization and a great climate favorable to athletes, but we also have many attractions to offer.

The very first editions of IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań and 5150 Poznań competitions are scheduled for September 4, 2022. Registration will start on January 18 at 15:00 on SlotMarket.pl.

The inauguration of the cycle in Poznań is not the only important event that awaits the fans of IRONMAN Poland. The year 2022 will also be special for the participants of Enea IRONMAN Gdynia. The competition scheduled for August 7 will be the 10th edition of the triathlon in Gdynia.

Marek Łucyk, vice-president of Gdynia

It's been 10 years, it went by so fast. I remember every edition, once it was very warm, another time it was cold. It was raining and sunny but there was always a great atmosphere. The competitors were satisfied with the routes we had prepared for them and with the entire organization that IRONMAN Poland takes care of. The fans from Gdynia and people who stayed in our city at that time also made an unforgettable impression.

The first opportunity to start in the IRONMAN Poland series this year will be on June 12 during Citi Handlowy IRONMAN 70.3 Warsaw. The participants again will get the opportunity to face the "half" of the IRONMAN and the Olympic distance.

Janusz Samel, director of the Warsaw Sports and Recreation Office

We are well prepared to organize such an event as Citi Handlowy IRONMAN 70.3 Warsaw. The route is optimal, very well prepared and secured. Over the years, we have changed the location of the finish line, but I have the impression that the finish in the Multimedia Fountain Park is the perfect choice. The competitors end up in such a great place, having previously run through the most beautiful part of the city. Warsaw is a modern, fast-growing, friendly city, and is also very well prepared to host the largest sports events.

During the IRONMAN Poland 2022 presentation, which took place at The Westin Warsaw Hotel, we also learned about this year's motto of the IRONMAN competition. The main theme of the competition in Warsaw, Gdynia and Poznań will be the "Year of the Dreamers". The organizers of the competition want to convey that behind every great achievement, there is always a dream at the beginning. The "Year of the Dreamers" is also to inspire people to take up the challenge of completing the IRONMAN competition. This path begins with a dream, which then becomes a goal and finally a reality. Additionally, in each city one symbol was chosen, the history of which perfectly reflects the realization of a big dream. In Warsaw it will be the Royal Castle, in Gdynia - Port of Gdynia, and in Poznań - MTP.

All these objects are linked by the fact that they celebrate great anniversaries. In the case of the Warsaw symbol, we are talking about the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Royal Castle. The Port of Gdynia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the commencement of construction. MTP is celebrating the jubilee associated with the anniversary of its establishment, for over 100 years it has been the pride of Wielkopolska and the whole country.

During the presentation of IRONMAN Poland 2022, the first names of PRO triathletes who will start in Poland were also revealed. Richard Murray from South Africa and Rachel Klamer from the Netherlands have confirmed their participation in Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia. Both are titled athletes, participants of the Olympic Games. Richard Murray was 4th in the competition in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and Rachel Klamer took an identical position in Tokyo in 2021.

Rachel Klamer, PRO triathlete

Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia is our first scheduled start for this season. So far, we have not talked publicly about our start plans for 2022, so the competition in Gdynia is the first. We are convinced that the route will not be easy, so it's high time to vacuum the bike and train hard.

Richard Murray, PRO triathlete

It will be only our second start on the "half" distance . So far, we have only competed in such a race in Slovakia, but when it comes to the IRONMAN competition, it will be a debut for both of us. It is going to be very exciting. Additionally, for the first time we will be in Poland, we want to get to know your country and see Gdynia. We are already looking forward to it.

Traditionally, the best triathletes taking part in the IRONMAN Poland competition will have slots for the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.

Registration for the IRONMAN Poland competition is carried out at the SlotMarket.pl portal.