Mishu breaks new ground at IRONMAN Maryland

Bangladeshi triathlete Mishu Biswas set a national benchmark in full-distance IRONMAN racing after completing IRONMAN Maryland in the United States in 9 hours, 47 minutes and 46 seconds on September 19.

The lone representative from Bangladesh among more than 1,500 participants, including around 50 professional athletes, Mishu finished 12th in his age group and 101st overall.

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His time was 16 minutes and 49 seconds faster than the previous national mark of 10:04:35, set by Mohammad Samsuzzaman Arafat at IRONMAN Italy earlier the same day.

Mishu described the conditions as challenging throughout the race, beginning with the 3.8-kilometre swim in the Choptank River, where choppy water and currents made the opening leg difficult.

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The 180-kilometre cycling course presented another challenge, with competitors exposed to wind across largely flat and open terrain. The race was also temporarily interrupted following a serious accident that required an emergency response and helicopter operations. Several cyclists, including Mishu, were stopped on the course, with race officials later adjusting the affected time.

Warm and humid conditions added to the demands of the final 42.2-kilometre marathon.

A full-distance IRONMAN comprises a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre bike ride and a 42.2-kilometre run, completed consecutively. It is regarded as one of the most demanding one-day endurance events.