Luke Evans, a Carleton University graduate, didn't let any of that slow him down, as he crossed the finish line first in a time of eight hours 40 minutes 22 seconds.

Ottawa’s first-ever Ironman competition kicks off Sunday, and competitors are completing their final training. A grueling combination of swimming, a 180-kilometre bike ride, and a full marathon — some local athletes share just how hard they worked to get here.

Ironman’s have been increasing in popularity along with other endurance sports like running and long distance cycling. The Ironman Group’s own research found that in 2024, over 50,000 athletes completed their first Ironman or Ironman 70.3, marking a four per cent year-over-year increase.