The IRONMAN is a grueling event that many people try to do at least once just so they say they do it in their lifetime. From 6 a.m. to midnight, competitors have to do three swim laps, three bike laps around the Woodlands, and then three running laps throughout the day to complete an IRONMAN. People from around the states and world come to compete at IRONMAN’s, making it an event of uniting different cultures and languages as competitors support each other to reach the end.
Being such a large event the IRONMAN relies heavily on volunteer help from multiple organizations to ensure the safety and security of those involved, as well as keep things running smoothly. One large group was from Education for Tomorrow Alliance(EFTA), which set up volunteer groups exclusively made of their group and students involved each year as a part of their junior internship program across Montgomery County. Handling major stalls such as the bags of the participants with items they packed and may need throughout the race, handing them ice to run down their tracksuits and cold water to drink about the run.
Not everyone was there just for fun though, with numbers 1-99 being ‘Pros’ who compete for money. Many pros travel around the world to compete in such events, almost being a career for them. Starting at the same time as every other runner, the pros are technically only competing with each other with their finish line rank being counted separately from everyone else. Despite this pros often had opportunities to interact with the casual runners, and bond over the similar efforts made between them to reach the end.
Being an all-day event across the Woodlands area, Police and EMS on bikes and motorbikes were present all around the area to redirect vehicles and make sure anyone participating was doing okay. Along with this, there were red tents stationed around the course with medical professionals who could radio to EMS and ambulances on site in the case someone was injured and in need of care. Though many complain about how the blocked roads create more conflict and risk when driving in the area, it is ultimately to ensure the safety of everyone along or near the course, and the police as certain parts of the courseway were no longer needed progressively opened up the roads.
Families of those on the race course often follow them on bikes along sidewalks to keep up, with some people getting attached baby seats for their little ones to participate. The event is special for everyone in the area, from runner to volunteer to family, everyone is there cheering themselves and others on. The next IRONMAN is to be held in Monterrey, Mexico once again drawing large crowds. Those who just ran are likely to continue training day by day for each event, ready to try their hardest.
