Ironman ultra-triathlons demand competitors swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, and then run a full marathon, paying upwards of $1000 for the pleasure. It’s not everyone’s idea of a perfect Sunday, but for its growing base of devotees, it has become almost like a religion. So how did the sport grow from its low-key Hawaiian roots to a money-making global phenomenon? And what drives people to push their bodies to the limit?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Rick Broadbent, sports writer, The Times.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: $1,000 for 140 miles of suffering (in the rain) — why is Ironman so popular?Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podzilla Summary coming soon
Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Listen to This Episode
More from The Story
Inside the Macklemore - Ed Sheeran tour fallout - The Saturday Story
Has space become the final frontier for war?
Has Trump paved the way to a united Ireland?
Bonus: Bill Gates on AI risk, regulation and the "vacuum of US leadership"
Get summaries like this every morning.
Free AI-powered recaps of The Story and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.