The 2008 Ironman race schedule kicks off Sunday in South Africa, beginning an international circuit that will visit 16 countries. The 51-race circuit is comprised of full-length Ironman triathlons as well as a growing number of increasingly popular 70.3 races, which debuted in 2005 and have taken off since.

Even before the first race of 2008 is held, 13 of the events have sold out, evidence of the continued growth and passion for triathlon around the world. And, Ironman officials point out that many of the races that are still accepting applications are close to selling out, so if you are interested in competing in 2008, now is the time to visit www.ironman.com to see the full schedule and get into an event.

In fact, the first two races in the United States, Ironman 70.3 California on March 29 and Ford Ironman Arizona on April 13, are already sold out. The first U.S. race still accepting applications is Ironman 70.3 Florida on May 18.

The circuit culminates with a pair of championships – the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona on October 11 and the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida on November 8.

The journey to qualify for those events begins for many this Sunday when the inaugural Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa debuts in Buffalo City East London. More than 900 athletes representing 19 countries will battle it out for a place in history and a chance to earn one of the coveted 50 slots up for grabs to the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater in November.

South Africa’s Raynard Tissink, who finished second in Ironman Western Australia early in December 2007, is among the fan and race favorites in the first-time event. Tissink is coming off a strong year in 2007, featuring a win at Ironman Korea.