Iron People Don't Crack in Water!

The first season of our partnership with IRONMAN-branded events has come to an end! The swimming stage of every triathlon marks the beginning of an extreme challenge. For IRONMAN competitions, it’s a challenge where iron people are forged! We were with you in Warsaw, Gdynia, and Poznań.Inspired by the energy we felt from you before every start, we created the slogan: “It all begins in the water,” which will stay with us forever!

We’re speaking with Piotr Jakóbik from Sport Evolution, the company organizing IRONMAN triathlon events, and Kacper Musiał, a participant in the Enea IRONMAN Poznań.

A Unique IRONMAN

What makes IRONMAN events stand out among other triathlon competitions in Poland?

Piotr Jakóbik: First and foremost, the scale. No other event or triathlon series in Poland takes place in such prestigious locations as IRONMAN Poland events. For a few days in the height of the summer season, we take over Śródmieście Beach in Gdynia and occupy nearly the entire Southern Pier, a key destination visited by thousands of tourists during Enea IRONMAN Gdynia.

In Warsaw, the event village for Citi Handlowy 5150 Warsaw and Citi Handlowy IRONMAN 70.3 Warsaw is located in the Multimedia Fountain Park. Participants run through the streets of the New and Old Town, and the cycling course includes Wisłostrada, which we close to traffic for the race. Finally, in Poznań, we welcome participants of Enea 5150 Poznań and Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań to the city center, at the Poznań International Fairgrounds. I’m also convinced that no other event can match IRONMAN Poland when it comes to the atmosphere. If you don’t believe it, just come to the finish line in Gdynia. You have to experience it—even as a spectator—to truly understand.

There's also the matter of the brand itself and the opportunity to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championships or IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. The IRONMAN name carries a legend, a history. Just like other iconic brands, there's simply a difference when you tell someone you completed "Triathlon X" compared to completing an IRONMAN.

Beyond all this, there are many aspects that might not be immediately visible but are extremely important—such as the standards for medical, water, and course safety. These are at the absolute highest level because the safety of participants is always our priority.

I think this year we demonstrated our commitment as a responsible organizer by making the incredibly difficult but necessary decision to cancel the swimming stage in Gdynia.

Who is IRONMAN for?

Who are the participants of IRONMAN events? Are they sports and recreation enthusiasts, or perhaps fanatics (in the best sense of the word) of competition and overcoming personal challenges?

PJ: It’s a complete cross-section. From young, athletic individuals who regularly engage in other physical activities, to working mothers with children or middle-aged men who decided to “get off the couch” and sought a goal and challenge, to individuals in their 50s or 60s who absolutely inspire and show everyone younger that it’s never too late for such an endeavor.

There’s also another, smaller but incredibly important group of participants at IRONMAN events: people who have faced or are facing significant life challenges. These are individuals who have overcome addictions, depression, serious illnesses, organ transplants, or lost limbs, among other hardships. There are countless examples, but they all share one common theme—they show that #AnythingIsPossible

How to Start Your Triathlon Journey?

If you were to encourage an average person to participate in this event, how would you do it? Where should they start? How much time does preparation take?

PJ: In my opinion, the first step is to set a goal and find your motivation. You need to answer the question of what you want to achieve and why. Do you crave competition? Do you want to prove something to yourself? Or perhaps you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure while improving your health and well-being? It’s also important to remember that the journey toward the goal is often more meaningful than achieving it.

Many people say that IRONMAN changed their lives—not because they crossed the finish line, but because the preparation required them to reorganize their priorities, develop healthy habits, eat better, and commit to regular training. And it’s not like you finish the race, then suddenly stop moving and start bingeing on chips [smile]. Typically, you look for your next goal, aim higher, or at least stay in regular training and maintain a much better overall condition.

Mental health shouldn’t be overlooked either. Physical activity clears your mind, and preparing for a triathlon often brings you into a triathlon community or team. These connections sometimes lead to lifelong friendships and bonds.