The final edition of IRONMAN Arizona is set to take place on Sunday, marking the end of a significant tradition in long-distance triathlons that has been a staple on the North American race calendar since its inception in 2005. A strong lineup of professional athletes is gathered in Tempe for this momentous event, including notable competitors like Sam Long, Matt Hanson, and Ben Kanute among the men. On the women’s side, British triathletes Stephanie Clutterbuck and Jodie Stimpson will be making their IRONMAN debuts alongside American Alice Alberts.
Sam Long, a popular figure in the triathlon community, was initially scheduled to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, but opted out last-minute to stay close to his wife, Lara Gruden, as they await the birth of their second child. Long’s decision was strategic, allowing him to focus on the local race in Arizona. Although scheduled to compete on Sunday barring any unforeseen circumstances, Long’s last performance was a 14th place finish at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.
Fellow American athletes Kanute and Hanson participated in the Marbella race just a week prior, presenting a quick turnaround as they transition to compete in Arizona. They aim to leverage their recent race experiences to achieve strong results in Tempe. The competitive field also includes several other American athletes such as Trevor Foley, Matt McElroy, and Colin Szuch, with international representation from Great Britain’s Joe Skipper, Andrea Salvisberg from Switzerland, and Dutchman Menno Koolhaas.
A highlight of this year’s race is the presence of Paralympic triathlon champion Chris Hammer, who is making his IRONMAN debut. As an athlete born with one hand, Hammer typically competes in the PTS5 division and aims to focus on short-course events in his quest to qualify for the Los Angeles Paralympics after this race. Hammer expressed some ambivalence about the long-distance format, suggesting that this could be a unique experience for him rather than a regular part of his racing schedule.
In the women’s race, both Clutterbuck and Alberts are fresh off competitions in Hawaii, clearly eager to seize the opportunity for early qualification for the coveted Kona World Championships, with three spots available in both the men’s and women’s categories. Clutterbuck finished 34th in Kona but previously showcased her capabilities with an eighth-place finish at IRONMAN Texas earlier this year, while Alberts placed 23rd in the same event.
Jodie Stimpson is also a significant contender with a decorated background, including a Commonwealth Games record. Though she is yet to race in an IRONMAN, her recent performances signal that she could make a surprising impact.
As IRONMAN Arizona prepares for its grand finale, Slowtwitch will provide live updates from Tempe on their Instagram throughout the day, ensuring fans can stay connected and cheer on their favorite athletes in this historic event.