Forget competing against the mundane backdrop of concrete slab buildings in ‘copy and paste’ cities – the Cartagena Iron Man challenge gives you the chance to complete this epic triathlon in a fairy-tale Caribbean setting complete with azure seas, swaying palm trees, pirate ships and ancient castles.
Date: 29 Nov, 2020
Time: 05:00-14:00
Address: Centro / Bocagrande
Competing in the Iron Man is no joke. It takes months of hard work and dedication, culminating in a gruelling marathon event that pushes you to your limits. Reward your efforts by completing the triathlon in one of the world’s most breath-taking Iron Man locations.
The canon blast signals the beginning of your Iron Man journey with a 1.2 mile swim in the clean, protected bay of Bahía de las Ánimas. Water temperatures here reach a cosy 80⁰ Fahrenheit. Then it’s time to ditch the swim gear and grab your bike outside the iconic clock tower of La Torre del Reloj, where you’ll begin a 56-mile trek up the highway connecting Cartagena to the northern city of Barranquilla, enjoying picturesque views of Colombia’s beaches and coastal mangroves along the way.
The loop is flat and fast, so you’ll be back in Cartagena in no time for the 13.1 mile run through the fabled maze of Old Town. You’ll jog along quaint cobbled streets, past its colourful colonial architecture and ancient city walls, finishing back outside the clock tower (ready to have a few ice-cold beers, no doubt). Treat yourself to a relaxing trip to the islands afterwards.
The vibe during the triathlon is infectious, with locals and international visitors cheering from the sidelines. Get in touch to find out how you can turn your Iron Man adventure into a mini Cartagena vacation for you and your fans.
Cartagena's nerve centre serves up breathtaking colonial architecture, the city's top attractions, finest hotels, eateries and drinking dens as well as being the administrative and cultural heart of the city.
Centro has lost none of its importance thanks to the universal lure of its colonial pomp and the concentration of government buildings, hotels, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants in the area.
Cartagena's finest hotels and restaurants have taken over the uber-casas built by slave traders and Spanish plunderers in the 17th century.
The richest residents knocked up stunning two and three-storey mansions by the westernmost tip of the walled city, where they bagged the sea breeze and first whiff of pirates. Today only those at the very top of Colombia's rich list can afford to maintain these opulent houses in their original residential state.
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