The city of Encarnación, Paraguay is once again becoming a hub for an international sporting event. On September 28, the Ironman 70.3 Encarnación triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling, and running, will be held around San José Beach and the coastal road of the Republic of Paraguay. More than 1,000 ironmen from all over the world are expected to heat up the city.
The event is a grueling challenge covering a total of 70.3 miles (approximately 113 km), consisting of three disciplines: a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run. It is anticipated to be more than just a race, offering a transformative experience for participants, their families, and the entire community. This competition is also a crucial opportunity to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Nice, France, in 2026.
In addition to the main event, there will be a special program for children called Ironkids Encarnación. Children aged 3 to 12 can complete 300m, 600m, and 1,200m courses, learning the value of sports and sharing the "Ironman" spirit with their families.
Paraguayan athletes have also completed their preparations for the event. The Encarnación-based team, "Team Vargas," is made up of 14 amateur athletes and will participate in this first edition of the competition. Team leader Fernando Vargas stated, "This is not just a race. It's an opportunity to show our city to the world." He added, "The support of the citizens is a great source of strength for the athletes. We want to show everyone that sports can develop Encarnación and transform lives."
"Team Vargas" has been preparing for the competition with high-intensity training during the week and race simulations on weekends. In particular, the athletes have completed their mental and physical preparations by conducting open-water swimming training on a buoy-marked course to overcome their fears and refine their race strategies. Through this competition, Encarnación will solidify its position as an international city powered by the vitality of sports, and athletes will have the opportunity to discover new versions of themselves by pushing beyond their limits.
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