Ironman 70.3 brings athletes to Galveston this weekend

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Dozens of athletes converged upon Galveston this weekend for Ironman 70.3 Texas, an intense event that includes running, bicycling and swimming.

This weekend's competition is a promising return amid the COVID-19 pandemic after last year's race was canceled. This year, things look different with enhanced hygiene protocols in place, masks, and limited interaction between staff and participants.

The event began on Hope Boulevard and winded across the island with a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run.

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The swimming event spanned from Moody Gardens to the Colonel Paddlewheel boat in Offats Bayou.

The bike course also began at Moody Gardens and continued to the Seawall and along the boulevard over San Luis Pass before turning around and ending back at Moody Gardens, totaling 56 miles.

Runners left Moody Gardens and covered the 13.1 miles along Offats Bayou and Palm Beach before finishing near the Discovery Pyramid.

You can see the course maps here.

The Galveston event offers up to 100 qualifying slots to the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Utah.