Meeting the World's Ironmen in Gurye

Published 24 Aug.2023 16:29(KST)

2023 Ironman Gurye Korea Held After 5 Years

1100 Triathletes from 34 Countries Challenge Human Limits

Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that it will host the 「2023 IRONMAN GURYE KOREA」 for four days starting from September 8 at Jirisan Lake Park and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) certified course.

In 2019, the event was unfortunately canceled the day before the race due to a typhoon, and from 2020 to 2022, the event could not be held due to COVID-19.

[Photo by Gurye-gun]

This year’s event, held for the first time in five years, will see 1,100 triathletes from 34 countries challenge human limits.

The 2023 IRONMAN GURYE KOREA is a full-course event hosted by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), where athletes must complete a total 226 km course consisting of swimming (3.8 km), cycling (180 km), and running (42.2 km) within 17 hours.

Top finishers will be awarded entry to the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship.

On September 8 and 9, athlete registration and distribution of athlete supplies will take place at Gurye Public Stadium, and on the 9th, the swimming venue will be open for official swim training and the Bakkeum Place (Jirisan Lake Park) will be open for bicycle registration. The main event will begin at 7 a.m. on the 10th.

The competition will proceed in order with swimming, cycling, and marathon running.

On the 10th, Gurye-gun and the Gurye Police Station will coordinate to control traffic in sections along the course.

Visitors to Cheoneunsa Temple are advised to detour toward Hwaeomsa Temple, and tourists visiting Saseongam Hermitage should enter Donghae Village near Gurye Station.

For Sandong-myeon, entry should be made via Wonchon Village.

Governor Kim Sun-ho said, “We are preparing the event with the safety of athletes, event officials, and residents as the top priority,” adding, “We hope every athlete enjoys the joy of completion and the moment of triumph in the beautiful sports city of Gurye.”