Midwest Magic: Des Moines 70.3 Inspires Athletes Across All Divisions
On a sun-drenched June morning, Des Moines pulsed with energy as athletes dove into the IRONMAN 70.3 challenge—1.2 miles in Gray’s Lake, 56 rolling miles on the bike, and a grand finale run past the historic courthouse. With air at 71 °F and lake temperatures at 72 °F, conditions were ideal for personal records.
From intense professional showdowns to age-group triumphs, the event proved just how deep the talent runs in the triathlon community.
The Professional Men’s field produced a thrilling competition. Last year’s top masters, Maxim Mahoney and Kevin Denny, reclaimed their dominance with times of 4:00:16 and 4:03:15, respectively. Just behind them, Evan Culbert rounded out the podium in 4:06:07.
In the Professional Women’s division, Nicole Heininger finished in 4:32:39, followed by Kennon Meyer at 4:40:07 and Sarah Spooner at 4:40:52—a three-woman showcase of elite determination.
Among the 30–39 age bracket, male finishers hovered around 4:15 while female athletes completed the course near 4:45. The 40–49 and 50+ categories also featured impressive efforts, proving that grit knows no age.
Hands on Sports Therapy Supports the Journey
At Hands on Sports Therapy (handsonsports.com), we’re honored to support athletes from pre-race prep to post-race recovery, our tailored manual therapy protocols are designed to help triathletes perform at their best—safely and sustainably.
We focus on reducing tension with soft tissue mobilization and preparing joints and muscles for the demands of the course. Between bike and run, our mobility strategies optimize transitions and prevent cramping. After the race, we implement contrast therapy, stretching, foam rolling, and targeted massage to accelerate recovery.
Injury prevention is a cornerstone of our approach. We emphasize joint mobilization and improving muscle extensibility to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Post-race care includes contrast baths to reduce inflammation, active recovery practices like light walking or cycling, and personalized nutrition guidance to rebalance electrolytes and fuel muscle repair.
The Next Generation: R!PROAR Kids Triathlon
Inspired by the 70.3, young athletes are invited to the R!PROAR Kids Race on June 28 in Des Moines—an engaging introduction to multisport competition with age-appropriate swim, bike, and run legs. It’s an ideal way for families to connect, compete, and celebrate youth athleticism.
The excitement doesn't stop with the adults. After watching parents, siblings, and mentors compete, young athletes can get in on the fun at the upcoming R!PROAR Kids Triathlon on June 28 in Des Moines. This event is designed to spark a lifelong love for multisport competition with age-appropriate swim, bike, and run distances in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
Whether it's your child’s first race or their tenth, R!PROAR offers an empowering way to connect with the triathlon community—and it’s just as thrilling for families cheering from the sidelines.
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Websites:
www.ironman.com
www.riproarevents.com/des‑moines
