As the weather turned cooler, pedestrians perusing the State Street mall this weekend had the opportunity to witness portions of the Ironman triathlon.
Created in 1978 by Navy Commander John Collins and his wife, Jane, the Ironman triathlon has gathered competitors from all corners of the globe, from Argentina to Germany.
In 1983, a rule added to the race rules required competitors to finish within 17 hours. Finishing the Ironman is a true indicator of the endurance of human body and spirit, and it takes place in locations spanning the globe, with Madison included on the list. Wisconsin is one of less than 10 U.S. locations.
Why is Wisconsin the site of one of the most prestigious triathlons in the world? According to the Ironman Wisconsin website, Madison is an ideal spot to hold the triathlon due to the accessibility to biking. trails
Furthermore, the website notes that the UW-Madison campus is known as a party school, making the city a locale to have a great time.
Additionally, Madison is unique in being located on an isthmus. Access to water is clearly key for a triathlon involving 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and 26.2 miles of running.
As the 2007 Ironman is in full force as this editorial board writes, it is an appropriate time to consider what the presence of the Ironman means to Madison. The annual Ironman surely reflects one of Madison's best attributes: Madison, according to a 2004 issue of Men's Magazine, is the healthiest city in the United States.
If there is anything Madison's citizens should take pride in, it should be the healthy attributes of their city. On any one day, athletes can be seen on the streets and paths of Madison. With obesity a huge concern in the United States today, it is time people take their wellbeing into their own hands and become healthy individuals.
Madison is a great example of the kind of lifestyle modern people should uphold and the Ironman competition is just another indicator of how progressive, healthwise, Madison is as a city.
