In Provence: Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Canyon
It would be impossible to talk about triathlons without evoking the most famous of them all: Ironman. Created in Hawaii in 1978 and now a registered trademark, Ironman is a multidisciplinary challenge kicking off with a 3.8 km swimming race, followed by a 180 km cycling race and ending with a marathon, i.e. a 42.195 km road race (to be precise). Over time, the Ironman craze has spread to the entire world and, of course, the South of France. Every year in May, Aix-en-Provence is the venue for an Ironman 70.3, or “Half Ironman”, i.e. half the distances of a classic Ironman. The course, which brings thousand of participants together every year, begins with a swimming contest in Peyrolles lake, then continues to Aix-en-Provence by bike via an uphill climb of 1,185 metres to mount Sainte-Victoire. It ends with a road race through the streets of Aix and La Torse park. Now an international benchmark, “Ironman” is commonly used to designate long-distance triathlons, while various races have adopted spinoff names. The Natureman Var race in September in Les Salles-sur-Verdon takes place on the waters of Sainte-Croix lake and in the superb mountains surrounding it. This fairytale site also forms the backdrop for the Swimrunman challenge held every year in April in the Verdon Canyon (Gorges du Verdon). Unlike the classic Ironman contest, the athletes compete in teams of two and there is no cycling race. In addition to legendary triathlons, Provence also provides the stage for a very different type of challenge: obstacle races! Whether it’s the Ruée des Fadas in Rocbaron, the Mud Girl or La Folle Furieuse in Peyrolles-en-Provence, the fun run concept always remains the same, with participants navigating obstacles to the best of their ability and getting very wet and muddy in the process!
