About the Race

They say they like to hold Ironman races at destination spots ... which would make Coeur d'Alene a prime contender for a race!

Named after the Coeur d'Alene Indian tribe, this former logging and lumber town boasts a population of 50,000 (although the sign on the way into town says 34,415), 150 restaurants, and enough outdoor activities to keep anyone busy for a very long time.

The two-loop swim course at Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene has the potential to be tough, but has even more potential to be a really nice start to the day. It's become the norm to hear that the water is cold ... the word is that the athletes can expect water somewhere between 63 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit (a little over 17 degrees Celsius).

All of the courses at Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene are two-loop affairs, and both the bike and the run pass by the finish line and transition area four times, so spectators are in for a great day. The bike course is more challenging than it initially would appear. The course is very technical, with enough difficulty to keep things interesting.

"It would be hard not to have a picturesque run course in Coeur d'Alene." It's relatively flat, it's fast, and it goes through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods this picturesque town has to offer. The limiting factor on the run ... the heat!