Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Ford Ironman Florida remains the go-to race for age groupers seeking to achieve a personal best.
Taking advantage of the Sunshine State's flat topography, this race features a course ripe for those with speed on the mind. Combine that with excellent weather and a spectator-friendly course design, and the Ford Ironman Florida is the perfect end-of-season race after months of dedicated training.
Fast Facts
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008
Registration: 2008 is full. Click for more information on registration procedures for NA Sports Events.
Website: IronmanFlorida.com
Qualifying Slots: 72 slots to the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championships
Pro Prize Purse: $55,000
The Swim: 2.4 miles total. The race begins with a beach start before a two-loop swim in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a short beach run between each loop. Water temperatures average between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and wetsuits are allowed. Once competitors exit the water after the second loop, there is a short beach run to the transition area.
Swimmers exit the water and run up the beach toward the transition area. Photo: www.asiphoto.com
The Bike: 112 miles total. The second leg of the race is very flat and fast. Aerobars and aero helmets are common sights in Florida. There is sometimes wind, though not of the caliber found in Kona. Aid stations are every 10 miles.
The transition area with the finish line in the upper right corner. Photo: www.asiphoto.com
The Run: 26.2 miles total. A two-loop course that travels along the beachfront and through residential neighborhoods before hitting the turnaround at St. Andrews State Park. Very spectator-friendly. There is traffic allowed on the roadways, though it is separated by cones. Aid stations are found at every mile along the course.