IRONMAN has taken over the reins of the Gulf Coast Triathlon in Panama City Beach in northwestern Florida. Rebranded as IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, the race, previously known as the Gulf Coast Triathlon, will keep its historic roots and takes place next year in May 2017. The new IM 70.3 event joins the IRONMAN Florida triathlon on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Panama City Beach.
The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast race will take place Saturday 13 May 2017, with general registration opening on 9 November 2016.
“Panama City Beach looks forward to welcoming competitors from around the globe to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast triathlon,” said Richard Sanders, VP of Sports and Events for Visit Panama City Beach. “Having IRONMAN united with an event and a course known for beautiful beaches, personal records, and good weather, is a perfect opportunity for athletes and their families to have a real fun race.”
The race will begin with a 1.2-mile, open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, along white sand shores. Competitors then bike 56-miles on an out-and-back course which travels through the rural areas of Bay County and Panama City Beach. Much like IRONMAN Florida, the event is flat and fast for athletes looking to obtain a personal best.
The 13.1-mile run will feature some of the most picturesque beach front areas that distinguish the area, with a finish at the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort. With 27 miles of white sand beach, Panama City Beach is positioned as a great destination for athletes and families alike, with multiple state and beachfront city parks, nearly 100 public beach access points and an untouched seven-mile long barrier island.
IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast will offer 50 slots to the 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place on 9-10 September 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
