I had the opportunity to witness the Ironman Tallinn earlier this year, held in Estonia's capital city. The event was a pretty cool experience, with its course that crisscrossed the city, including the picturesque old town, drawing huge crowds of participants and volunteers alike. Having completed the UK's Ironman in Bolton a few times, I couldn't help but think how cool it would be to participate in this one someday in the future!

 

If you didn’t already know, an Ironman Triathlon is widely considered a very challenging one-day sporting events in the race world. The race consists of a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2 km) bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run, completed in that order, covering a total of 140.6 miles (226.3 km).

As someone who has competed in the UK Ironman twice, I can attest that the Tallinn race was truly unique. The cycling and running routes weaved through the city, even taking in Tallinn's beautiful old town, which made for a challenging and exhilarating experience. However, I have to admit that seeing the competitors running on cobbles really made me feel for them!

 

The race ended at the fantastic Seaplanes maritime museum, with the finish line placed next to the gigantic Lembit submarine. The museum was an ideal location for the finish line, and it was the coolest race ending I've ever seen. Definitely one an Ironman to consider if you want some great photos, in somewhere unique, that’ll show you this beautiful Baltic country!


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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.

https://www.hiatus.design
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