DES MOINES, Iowa — The Ironman 70.3 kicked off early in downtown Des Moines on Sunday and took competitors on a long journey through the city.

The event started at 6:30 a.m. with a 1.2-mile swim in Gray’s Lake, followed by a 56-mile bike ride, and ending in a 13.1-mile run. This totals 70.3 miles, and competitors have 8 and a half hours to finish.

One runner says Sunday’s race was a high point in his competition catalog.

“It feels great, I’ve been doing triathlons for four or five years now, I’ve taken second place at a few of these, so it feels good to finally cross the finish line first, while racing my teammates and enjoying the beautiful venue,” said Tyler Tanko, first runner across the finish line.

Athletes finished by Cowles Commons and enjoyed the IRONMAN Village which featured new gear, food, and stores. During the award ceremony, runners were able to get their medals engraved. The next Ironman 70.3 will be held on June 22 in Rockford, Illinois.