WATCH: First Jones Beach Ironman Triathlon Winner Talks About The Race

WANTAGH, NY — Participants of the recently held Ironman 70.3 Triathlon got to experience the vistas of Jones Beach, although stormy weather slightly reduced the course.

Athletes took part in 56 miles of biking, a 13.1 run in two loops at Jones Beach and the swim.

When it was all said and done, Ross Baldwin of Brooklyn was the first man to finish the race at 3 hours, 40 minutes and 47 seconds.

"I'm more of a wrestler. I probably got into this just before COVID," Baldwin told Patch.

He took part in two full-distance races in 2018 and 2019 before the pandemic put it on the back burner.

Given Baldwin's top two performances in the most recent races, he was confident at Jones Beach.

But in order to prove victorious, preparations are necessary.

"It really depends. Some people are just trying to get through it," he said. "Some are competing. To be competitive you need a solid 10-15 hours a week of training, total."

Baldwin is already thinking ahead to defending his title next year.

"If I switch to professional, and they don't have a professional field, I might not be able to," he said. "But if the stars align I can find my way to the start line, I'd love to. It's a quick local race."

Check out the full Patch Weekly Spotlight interview below.