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Tarpon Springs, FL (October 5, 2006) – Today, Ironman announces the official race course for the inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on November 11 in Clearwater, FL. The race will begin and end at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.
“In coordination with the City of Clearwater and surrounding agencies, we’ve designed a race course that is safe, scenic and challenging, yet will have minimal impact to traffic flow. The route showcases Clearwater landmarks such as the Memorial Causeway and Pier 60 and fosters a superb spectating environment,” says Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 Event Director, Steve Meckfessel.
SWIM: The 1.2 mile/1.9 km swim will consist of a one-loop, elongated rectangle course in the Gulf of Mexico. Athletes will begin on the beach on the south side of Pier 60 and water temperatures are expected to be between 72-74 degrees F. Wetsuits will likely be permitted.
BIKE: Athletes will see much of Pinellas County on this fairly flat, 56 mile/90.1 km bike course. The one lap course is expected to be fast and encompasses three bridges with nearly half of the course being surrounded by water. The road surface is in good condition and there will be four aid stations located throughout the course providing hydration, nutritional and communications support.
RUN: The 13.1 mile/21.1 km course will take athletes over the Memorial Causeway Bridge that offers significant elevations changes. Competitors will run on paved areas of the Pinellas Trail and through picturesque neighborhoods adjacent to the Belleview Biltmore Resort. The two-loop course will bring athletes to the finish line located south of Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach. Temperatures on the run are expected to be in the upper 70s to low 80s F and aid stations will be located at approximately each mile on the course.
Course maps are now available online at www.ironman.com. For more information on Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3, visit www.ironman.com.
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