Panama City Beach Hosts Ironman Triathlon

Thousands of athletes are expected to hit the beach in Panama City Beach, Florida on November 10, 2010, for the Ironman triathlon. Participants will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles.

The Swim Loop

The swim portion of Ironman Florida begins on the beach behind the Boardwalk Beach Resort, in the Gulf of Mexico. The course is a 2.4-mile two-loop swim. The first loop is rectangular, with athletes exiting the water, and doing a turnaround on the beach. Upon re-entrance, athletes take a diagonal angle before reconnecting with the original portion of the swim course, continuing along the second loop until exiting the water at the completion of the swim. After exiting the water, athletes will run up the beach, running up the entrance steps to the Boardwalk, before continuing on to the transition area.

The Bike Route
Once athletes exit the transition area, athletes will begin the bike portion of the event by exiting through the bike/run start tower and heading west on South Thomas Drive. The bike portion of the event is extremely flat and fast, although wind can play a factor in the race. The runners then will then do a two-loop course to complete the marathon.

Special deals in Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach motels are excited to welcome the athletes and their families. The motels, part of the By The Sea Resort’s family, are offering special discounts, such as a free night with every paid night, free breakfast for children and discounts on several local attractions. With temperatures in mid-80s and low 90’s, Panama City Beach Florida is the ideal destination for top sporting events, as well as vacations. To take advantage of the online specials for Panama City Beach motels, go to www.bythesearesorts.com