The 11th edition of Ironman Coeur d’Alene in Idaho on Sunday 23 June will be the first North American race to preview the new Ironman SwimSmart initiative. Competitors will be the first to experience a piloted modified swim start, starting their races in a rolling start format by crossing a timing mat located at the swim start archway.
Once in the water the athletes will complete the two-loop, counter-clockwise, swim in the mountain-fed waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene before heading into the transition at City Park.
The new, two-loop bike course last year was reportedly a hit with athletes, adding long continuous climbs on the west side of Coeur d’Alene Lake. Participants will finish their day with a double out-and-back run course that follows the shores of the lake.
Announced in May, the first phase of SwimSmart focuses on operational enhancements to select Ironman events in North America, including modified swim starts at select races, pre-race swim warm-ups (whenever possible) and swim course additions – numbered course buoys, anchored resting rafts and increased swim course personnel.
SwimSmart going global?
When asked about possible expansion of the SwimSmart initiative to Europe, South Africa, Australasia and other Ironman markets, an Ironman spokesperson told triathlonbusiness.com that “This is a pilot program that will only be implemented in North America this year. Once we see how it all works operationally and from an athlete satisfaction perspective, we will evaluate what works best and start thinking about rolling it out to the rest of the world.”
“Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have always been operated at a level above the industry standard, and we are continuously looking for ways to improve and adjust,” added Jeff Edwards, Ironman Vice President of Operations, North America. “Minor changes can make a big difference as it relates to reducing athlete anxiety in the water.”
Giving back to the community
The Ironman Foundation has also just confirmed that it will give US$55,000 in grant funding to non-profit groups in the Coeur d’Alene community as part of the 2013 Ironman Coeur d’Alene triathlon. The Ironman Foundation’s contribution will provide support to non-profit needs and initiatives within the local community.
With the 2013 donations from the Ironman Foundation, a total of over US$570,000 has been given to support the needs of the community since the first Ironman Coeur d’Alene event in 2003.
Ironman Foundation slots, to raise money for worthy causes, were sold out at Ironman Coeur d’Alene back in January 2013. Set in one of the most picturesque parts of the United States, Ironman Coeur d’Alene, taking place on 23 June 2013, is a popular destination event for athletes and their families.
The first Ironman Coeur d’Alene kicked off in 2003. Last summer, Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) confirmed that the event will be a mainstay in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for another five years thanks to a contract extension announced just ahead of the event in June 2012.
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www.ironmanfoundation.org
