About Ironman Triathlons
There are over 30 sanctioned events throughout the world, as well as Ironman 70.3’s or Half-Ironman events. Ironmans are one of the long-distance series organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The first Ironman was held in February 1978, fifteen men began the race and twelve completed it. With no marketing, in 1979 when the race was held again, fifty participants gathered to compete. (Only fifteen competed due to harsh weather conditions.) It is often said that “there is no such thing as an easy Ironman” and also that “just finishing is a victory.”
About the Ford Ironman Florida
The Ford Ironman Florida includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. The 2.4-mile swim will consist of two laps in a rectangular shape out into the Gulf Coast after a mass-start. The bike lap will start at the Boardwalk Beach Resort on Front Beach Road and heading toward Highway 79, to Highway 20 and 77, and ending back at the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Finally, the run, which is one of the flattest on the Ironman circuit, will start at the Boardwalk Beach Resort and wind its way to St. Andrews Park. After St. Andrews Park, runners will make their way back to the Boardwalk Beach Resort to repeat the course again. There will be water, nutritional bars, nutritional gels, and fruit available to athletes throughout the bike and run sections of the event.
There are 65 spots available for athletes who qualify from this event in the Ironman World Championship on October 13, 2012 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Last year’s first place time was 8 hours 15 minutes and 59 seconds. There will be a total professional prize purse of $25,000 this year.
Event Day Schedule
6:50 a.m.- Pro Start
7 a.m.- Age Group Start
Good Luck to those entered in the triathlon!
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