The first race of the IUTA World Cup Series in Clermont, Florida, USA is coming up. Everything as usual? No - unlike previous years, a new organizer, Craig Braun, is waiting in the wings. He took over Steve Kirby's "Anvil" label and continues to organize the events together with Teri Smith. We talked to him about changes, future prospects and when he himself will be participating in an ultra triathlon.
Andreas Wünscher changed perspectives when he and his team organized the first Ultra Triathlon in Bad Radkersburg, Austria in 2021. We talked to him about the change from athlete to organizer and about the future prospects.
Guy Declerck is not a new organizer, but rather an old acquaintance who has merely taken a longer break. He organized in 1993 with the Double Ultra Triathlon in Leuven/Belgium "a perfectly organized event", as the then participant and organizer of the Triple Ultra in Lensahn/Germany, Wolfgang Kulow, tells with sparkling eyes. His race also left a lasting impression on the Ultra legend Guy Rossi, who has been his advisor and ambassador for several months.
Beat Knechtle is one of two athletes who has already reached the mark of the equivalent of 250 completed long distances just in ultratriathlons alone. We spoke with him how it came to this at all and his further goals.
The likeable Norwegian Marie Veslestaul (39) won all her three races last year, became Double World Champion in Panevezys/Lithuania and IUTA World Cup winner. We talked to her about 2019 being a very successful year, not only in sporting terms.
Why should I participate in races under the IUTA label? There are many reasons for this, there are just as many reasons against it - but there is only one chance to find out what you are really capable of: Fulfill your dream - Ultra Triathlon!
Our organizers have been holding races with multiples of a classic long distance triathlon since 1985. Until today the distances to be covered in a long distance race have been increased thirty times. An end is not in sight. In addition, various race formats have been established over the years.
Stephan Mayer from Germany is 50 years old and has participated in Ultra Triathlon events several times. This includes six Triple UT in Lensahn and two Double UT in Emsdetten. In July 2018, he organized his private Deca Ultra Triathlon in connection with a charity campaign in favor of the Mountain rescue Oberau.
Guy Rossi, born in 1948, competed in the last of a total of 114 ultra triathlons in 2018. In more than 30 years of ultratriathlon he finished 53 Double, 19 Triple, 10 Deca UT in continuous format and some more races. He spoke with us about the beginnings of ultra triathlon, the development of our sport and how he spends his "free time" now.
The IUTA-familiy sorrow for the founder of the first ever held Ultra Triathlon in the world. Our friend Dr. Raymond "Ray" Sheppard died at the age of 73 in June 2019 after a brief illness. Together with his wife Nancy he organized the Double Ultra Triathlon in Huntsville, Alabama, USA from 1985 until 1996. Above you find the official tribute and obituary … rest in peace.