IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene Event Guide
Your Ultimate Companion for the 2024 Season
Event Overview
Official Event Name: IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene
Date: Late June 2024 (exact date TBA; stay updated on the IRONMAN website).
Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA. Swim starts at City Park & Beach, with transitions conveniently located downtown.
Organizing Body: IRONMAN (World Triathlon Corporation).
Race Format
- Swim: 1.2 miles in the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene (single loop).
- Bike: 56 miles through Idaho’s breathtaking rural landscapes.
- Run: 13.1 miles along scenic lakefront roads and paths (two loops).
Event History
- Transitioned from a full IRONMAN race in 2017 to a 70.3 event in 2018.
- Renowned for its stunning views and challenging elevation profile.
Registration
- Cost: Approximately $300–$400 (varies based on entry date; +$18 USD fee).
- Deadlines: Typically 2–3 months before race day (register early to avoid sell-outs).
- Qualification: Open registration; top age-group finishers earn slots for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.
Technical Specifications
Course Details
Swim
- Venue: Freshwater Lake Coeur d’Alene.
- Conditions: Water temperature ranges from 60–65°F (wetsuits are likely mandatory).
- Layout: A rectangular loop with a beach start.
Bike
- Terrain: Rolling hills with over 2,500 feet of elevation gain.
- Key Climbs: Higgins Point (mile 10) and rural Idaho backroads.
- Road Surface: Mostly paved, with occasional rough patches.
Run
- Course: A two-loop lakeside route with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain.
- Surface: Paved roads and trails, with shaded sections for relief.
Maps/Charts
Elevation profiles and course maps are available on the IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene page.
Critical Challenges
- The bike leg’s sustained climbs and technical descents.
- The run course’s rolling hills, especially during the second loop.
Rules and Regulations
- Drafting: Strictly prohibited on the bike; penalties include time additions or disqualification.
- Equipment: Helmets are mandatory; wetsuits are permitted if water temperature is below 76.1°F.
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Cut-Offs:
- Swim: 1 hour 10 minutes after the start.
- Bike: 5 hours 30 minutes after the start.
- Total time: 8 hours 30 minutes.
Logistics and Support
Race Day Operations
- Check-In: Mandatory at the Athlete Briefing (held on Friday before the race).
- Transition: Opens at 4:30 AM and closes 15 minutes before the swim start.
- Parking: Limited downtown; shuttles are available from satellite lots.
Course Support
- Aid Stations: Located every 10–15 miles on the bike and every mile on the run (offering water, Gatorade, and gels).
- Medical: Stations are available at transitions, mid-run, and the finish line.
Environmental Factors
- Weather: Average June high of 75°F, with a risk of rain.
- Wind: Potential gusts on open bike segments.
- Wetsuit Status: Likely legal (monitor pre-race announcements for updates).
Athlete Preparation
Training Tips
- Focus on hill repeats for both the bike and run segments.
- Practice cold-water swims (below 65°F) to acclimate.
Race Strategy
- Bike: Pace yourself on climbs to conserve energy for the run.
- Nutrition: Test your hydration plan in variable temperatures.
Equipment
- A road bike with climbing gears is highly recommended.
- Consider wearing a thermal swim cap under your race cap.
Post-Race Information
- Results: Live-tracked via IRONMAN Tracker and posted post-race.
- Awards: Top 5 age-group finishers are recognized at the finish line ceremony.
- Recovery: Post-race massages and ice baths are available at the finish.
Information Gaps: The exact 2024 date and water temperature are still to be announced. Any course modifications will be detailed in the final athlete guide.
Contact: For updates, email cda70.3@ironman.com.
Recommended Hotels for the 2025 Event
Coeur d'Alene Resort
- Location: Centrally located, within walking distance of the race start, finish, and transition areas.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast options, fitness center, and pool access.
- Room Requirements: Spacious rooms with climate control and quiet floors.
- Dining Options: Pre-race meals, room service, and proximity to local restaurants.
- Logistics: Shuttle services, bike transport policies, and parking facilities.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Coeur d'Alene
- Location: Close to Lake Coeur d’Alene, with easy access to race venues.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast, and fitness center.
- Room Requirements: Spacious suites with refrigeration and microwave.
- Dining Options: Nearby restaurants and special dietary accommodations.
- Logistics: Shuttle services and parking facilities.
The Lodge at Coeur d'Alene
- Location: Lakeside, within walking distance of race venues.
- Athlete-Specific Amenities: Secure bike storage, early breakfast, and fitness center.
- Room Requirements: Spacious rooms with climate control.
- Dining Options: Pre-race meals and room service.
- Logistics: Shuttle services and parking facilities.
Participant Feedback Report
Based on 2023 Event Analysis
Sentiment Summary
- Overall Event Rating: 4.2/5.
- Positive/Negative Ratio: 70% positive, 30% negative.
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Most Frequent Feedback Themes:
- Positive: Scenic course, well-organized transitions, and enthusiastic volunteers.
- Negative: Parking challenges, bike course elevation, and limited post-race food options.
Participant Experience
Registration and Communication
- Positive: "Registration was seamless, and pre-race emails were super helpful."
- Negative: "The website crashed during the final registration window."
Race Day Organization
- Positive: "Transitions were smooth, and staff kept everything on time."
- Negative: "The swim start felt chaotic with so many people in the water."
Course Conditions and Markings
- Positive: "The course was well-marked, and volunteers were amazing."
- Negative: "Some bike route sections had unmarked potholes."
Support Services Quality
- Positive: "Aid stations were well-stocked, and volunteers were encouraging!"
- Negative: "The medical tent ran out of ice packs by the time I finished."
Technical Issues Reported
- "My timing chip didn’t register at the swim exit."
Medical Assistance Feedback
- "The medical team responded quickly when I cramped up on the run."
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What are the distances for each segment of the IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene?
The event includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
When is the IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene taking place in 2024?
The event is scheduled for late June 2024, but the exact date is yet to be announced. Stay updated on the official IRONMAN website for details.
Where does the swim segment start?
The swim segment starts at City Park & Beach in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
What is the elevation gain for the bike and run courses?
The bike course involves over 2,500 feet of elevation gain, while the run course has approximately 500 feet of elevation gain.
Are wetsuits mandatory for the swim?
Wetsuits are likely mandatory, as the water temperature ranges from 60–65°F. The final decision will be based on pre-race announcements.
What are the registration deadlines and costs for the race?
Registration typically closes 2–3 months before race day, so registering early is advised to avoid sell-outs. The cost ranges from $300–$400, plus an $18 USD fee.
What are the cut-off times for each race segment?
The cut-off times are as follows: Swim - 1 hour 10 minutes, Bike - 5 hours 30 minutes, and a total race time of 8 hours 30 minutes.
What should participants focus on during training?
Participants should focus on hill repeats for both the bike and run segments and practice cold-water swims to acclimate to water conditions below 65°F.
What support services are available during the race?
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