6 Standout Reasons to Triathlon Race in Poland: destination IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia | SWIM

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6 Standout Reasons to Triathlon Race in Poland: destination IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia

A sunny seaport town with a stellar course makes IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia shine. The city of Gdynia in Poland is nurtured by the sun, sea, and a supportive community that loves and understands the spirit of triathlon.

The race is located in a seaport destination that has a reputation as the sunniest city in the country. Gdynia sits on the south coast of the Baltic Sea and proudly refers to itself as a city of sea and dreams, a reference to both its seaside location and speedy transformation into a modern port city after regaining independence following World War I. Today, people living in this city are said to be among the happiest in the country.

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Photo: © Sport Evolution / Sportografia.pl

IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia has garnered accolades for its spirited atmosphere and welcoming course, taking top spots in both the Overall Satisfaction and Overall Run categories of the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards. “It was my first time in Gdynia and it was a trip with only good memories,” said German pro Nils Frommhold, who won the inaugural event in 2015. “The location is great for a triathlon. My feeling was that the whole city is behind this event, which made it easy for us athletes to train the days before and to have unstressful days leading up to race day.”

Need more inspiration? Below are six reasons to put IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia on your summer race radar.

A sweet course

The start and finish of the race are located on the main city beach in town. There is a beach rolling start and the whole finish line infrastructure is located directly on a sandy beach that includes huge tribunes along the finish chute. A one-loop bike course goes outside the city through the beautiful rolling hills of the Kashubia region. “For me, the best thing about the course was probably the bike route that went out into the countryside and through the forests,” said British pro Corinne Abraham, who came in second at the race last year. “The run course is a bit challenging with the long climb up through town and the downhill sections but I like that also, it breaks the course up and adds opportunity for position changes in the competitors.”

The run goes through one of the town’s busiest streets, Swietojanska Street, and by seaside boulevards. And spectators are ever present. “What I definitely liked and enjoyed most were the crazy crowds,” said Frommhold. “I remember the whole area was full of spectators and they all cheered each and every athlete until the finish line party. I also liked the run course, as it was never boring and, again, full of crowds.”

Photo: © Sport Evolution / Sportografia.pl

Just for athletes

The race has a rolling start and also fully closed roads during the event. The bike route is closed off to cars as is the entire run course, adding to the comfort of racers.

Photo: © Sport Evolution / Sportografia.pl

A sunny atmosphere

The city is home to sandy beaches, piers, boat marinas, churches, cafes and restaurants along a sea boulevard, all providing a beautiful backdrop for the race. “With an easy journey from the airport, plenty of places to stay in the town and great pedestrian parks and cafes around the race start and finish at the beach; logistically it was a very ‘easy’ race to do,” said Abraham. There is also plenty to explore in town. Famous ships showcase the maritime history of the city including the “Błyskawica” (lightning) battleship and “Dar Pomorza” sailing ship, which are open to tour and stationed at Kosciuszko Square, the main square in the city. Gdynia Aquarium is also on the square, which is close to the IRONMAN Village. “My favorite thing was the rollercoaster park at the beach,” said Frommhold. “Unfortunately I couldn’t try all the crazy attractions, but if I come back one day I will for sure.”

Photo: © Sport Evolution / Sportografia.pl

An epic lineup

This year music will be showcased big time during the race. There will be 5 stages scattered along the running course playing non-stop live music. A total of 15 bands are scheduled to play throughout the day, which each stage highlighting a different music genre.

Photo: © Sport Evolution / Sportografia.pl

Gdynia has a range of options to refuel at. If you are in the mood for seafood, spots like the Barracuda serve fresh fish. At Browar Port Gdynia you can sample a well-stocked local beer selection. You can get your fix of pierogi and Polish cuisine at spots like Pierożek in Kosciuszko Square. You can dine with a view of the sea at Panorama Gdynia. And the landmark Gdynianka has earned legendary local status for it’s take on Polish pizza.

Star power

Mirinda Carfrae, three-time winner of the IRONMAN World Championship, and Timothy O’Donnell, who has multiple IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 victories to his name, are racing in Gdynia triathlon this year. This will be the couple’s first venture to the race. The event also comes recommended from those who have tested it’s mettle. “The organization of the race was absolute high level and I think IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia is one of the best events I ever did,” said Frommhold. “If someone asks me if they should race there my answer would be yes, for sure.” “The Polish crowd is crazy and loud in a positive way,” said German pro Boris Stein, who won the race last year. “Plus the run course is a mix of beach life and barbecue, a good motivation to bring it to the finish line.”