Port Elizabeth is ranked among the best triathlon and Ironman venues found anywhere in the world.

Having just returned from the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater Beach, Florida, in the United States, three local triathletes have confirmed that their home city compares favourably with the overseas locations.

Port Elizabeth is ranked among the best triathlon and Ironman venues found anywhere in the world.

Having just returned from the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater Beach, Florida, in the United States, three local triathletes have confirmed that their home city compares favourably with the overseas locations.

Paul Wolff (39), Abel Esterhuysen (40) and Paddy Cloete (35) were the only Eastern Cape competitors among the 1 500 participants in this elite event, having posted qualifying times in St Pölten, Austria, in June.

The Ironman 70.3 (half Ironman) world series consisted of 22 events around the world this year. Competitors had to qualify in one of these to be able to take part in the grand finale.

All three recorded personal best times in Florida (on November 10) and Wolff had the distinction of finishing in the top ten in his age group (35-39). He completed the 1,9km swim, 90km cycle and 21,1 km run in 4 hours and 16 minutes.

Esterhuysen (40-44) finished in 4:46 and Cloete (35-39) in 5:36. The event was won by professionals Andy Potts from America and Mirinda Carfrae from Australia.

Although they describe it as the experience of a lifetime, the trio agree that the crowd support and general organisation of the PE-based Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa event is unrivalled.

Wolff, who is the race director of Spec-Savers Ironman SA, says their aim is to make the Eastern Cape the home of Ironman on the African continent. That is why the new Ironman 70.3 event will be held in Buffalo City in January.

“The popularity of the sport is growing tremendously. Four years ago there were 60 triathletes in PE, now we have more than 300,” says Wolff.

“The sport also gives the economy a fantastic boost. Last year R80 million flooded into the city during race week.”

Esterhuysen, co-owner of Remax Independent Properties, adds that the increased popularity of triathlons also has positive spin-offs for the local fitness industry.

“The fitness industry is booming and it’s not just equipment that is in demand. Athletes are also looking for proper nutrition. The sport has become a lifestyle for many,” he says.

With their busy careers, Wolff, Esterhuysen and Cloete, a psychologist with a private practice in the city, find time in the early morning hours to do their rigorous training, but they believe it is worth it.

“Ironman is a fascinating study in mental toughness,” says Cloete. “I enjoy pushing the boundaries and discovering what a person is capable of.”

Wolff says PE is one of the best locations for triathletes anywhere in the world and many international athletes use the city as a base during their winters. “We’ve got the routes and the facilities and it also gives them a chance to gain some knowledge about the area where the local Ironman takes place.”

Esterhuysen agrees. “Where else can you cycle 40 kilometres along the coast combined with such beautiful scenery? Imagine coming over a rise and seeing the sun rising or dolphins frolicking in the sea.”

Entries for the first Ironman 70.3 event in Buffalo City close at the end of November. Late entries will be accepted until December 15. The full Ironman will take place in PE in April.

Paul Wolff (39), Abel Esterhuysen (40) and Paddy Cloete (35) were the only Eastern Cape competitors among the 1 500 participants in this elite event, having posted qualifying times in St Pölten, Austria, in June.

The Ironman 70.3 (half Ironman) world series consisted of 22 events around the world this year. Competitors had to qualify in one of these to be able to take part in the grand finale.

All three recorded personal best times in Florida (on November 10) and Wolff had the distinction of finishing in the top ten in his age group (35-39). He completed the 1,9km swim, 90km cycle and 21,1 km run in 4 hours and 16 minutes.

Esterhuysen (40-44) finished in 4:46 and Cloete (35-39) in 5:36. The event was won by professionals Andy Potts from America and Mirinda Carfrae from Australia.

Although they describe it as the experience of a lifetime, the trio agree that the crowd support and general organisation of the PE-based Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa event is unrivalled.

Wolff, who is the race director of Spec-Savers Ironman SA, says their aim is to make the Eastern Cape the home of Ironman on the African continent. That is why the new Ironman 70.3 event will be held in Buffalo City in January.

“The popularity of the sport is growing tremendously. Four years ago there were 60 triathletes in PE, now we have more than 300,” says Wolff.

“The sport also gives the economy a fantastic boost. Last year R80 million flooded into the city during race week.”

Esterhuysen, co-owner of Remax Independent Properties, adds that the increased popularity of triathlons also has positive spin-offs for the local fitness industry.

“The fitness industry is booming and it’s not just equipment that is in demand. Athletes are also looking for proper nutrition. The sport has become a lifestyle for many,” he says.

With their busy careers, Wolff, Esterhuysen and Cloete, a psychologist with a private practice in the city, find time in the early morning hours to do their rigorous training, but they believe it is worth it.

“Ironman is a fascinating study in mental toughness,” says Cloete. “I enjoy pushing the boundaries and discovering what a person is capable of.”

Wolff says PE is one of the best locations for triathletes anywhere in the world and many international athletes use the city as a base during their winters. “We’ve got the routes and the facilities and it also gives them a chance to gain some knowledge about the area where the local Ironman takes place.”

Esterhuysen agrees. “Where else can you cycle 40 kilometres along the coast combined with such beautiful scenery? Imagine coming over a rise and seeing the sun rising or dolphins frolicking in the sea.”

Entries for the first Ironman 70.3 event in Buffalo City close at the end of November. Late entries will be accepted until December 15. The full Ironman will take place in PE in April.