Ironman Arizona set to return to Tempe on Sunday

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) -- The Ironman Arizona triathlon is set to return on Sunday.

Competitors from 48 states and 43 countries will gather in Tempe, and it's the ultimate test of endurance, featuring a grueling 140mi (~225.31km) journey few others will ever attempt. On Thursday, the setup is almost complete, as the racers began to stream into Tempe.

Come Sunday, 3,000 racers will swim 2.4mi (~3.86km), bike 112mi (~180.25km), and then run a 26.2mi (~42.16km) marathon. Racers are excited, and maybe a little nervous.

"Still anxiety mode with race, but by Saturday, I will be more excited about it," said competitor Yvonne Spencer.

"Just push yourself, do something to challenge yourself, see what you can do," said competitor Mike Alberico.

As for the bikes that will be used for the long bike ride, the cheapest is $2,000, the average is $5,000, and some even cost $15,000

Competitors are checking in, vendors are setting up, and everything's ready to roll. For the competitors, there's just something about the Ironman.

"This is my third one," said competitor Anna Grant. "I obviously drank the kool-aid. The atmosphere, racing with friends, big support systems, feels incredible doing things other people don't even consider doing."