Ironman Arizona is the first Ironman race in North America for each calendar year, providing a great opportunity for people who like to train hard through the holiday season. Like all Ironman events, the event distances are:
* Swim: 2.4 miles
* Bike: 112 miles
* Run: 26.2 miles

The event takes place in Tempe, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix. The course is in and around Tempe Town Lake and the surrounding area.

April temperatures are expected to be in the low 80s and wind often plays a factor on the bike course.

Due to consistently high temperatures and heavy winds, North America Sports has decided to move the Ironman Arizona event from April to November. In 2008 there will be two IM Arizona events: April 13, 2008 and November 23, 2008. After 2008 there will no longer be an Ironman Arizona event in April.

Ironman Arizona is a well organized event, thanks to the efforts by North America Sports, the people behind Ironman Canada, Ironman Lake Placid, Ironman Coeur d'Alene and a host of others.

SWIM
distance: 2.4 miles
The swim takes place in Tempe Town Lake, just east of the Mill Avenue bridges. It is a mass water start, with all 2500 (approx.) contestants beginning the swim at the same time. The swim is a one-loop rectangluar course.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
This is a three loop bike course. The beginning of each loop is brutally flat as it winds through the back streets of Tempe. At about mile 10 of each loop, you arrive onto the Beeline Highway. Winds are usually the strongest on Beeline and get stronger as you head towards the turnaround. There is about a 5 mile climb as you head towards Red Mountain. Most of the climb is gradual, though it gets steeper as you head towards the top. The top of the hill marks the turnaround point. Riders take the same course back towards transition.

There is usually a tailwind as you climb up the hill towards Red Mountain, leaving a fairly strong headwind on the way down. In 2006 and 2007, wind gusts approached 30 mph. It wasn't uncommon for riders to be traveling slower than 10mph on the downhill due to the headwind.

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
Like the bike ride, the Ironman Arizona run consists of three loops through the heart of Tempe. Each loop consists of a figure eight, bringing participants by the finish line/transition area numerous times throughout the course of their marathon. The course has many twists and turns, but it is an extremely flat and fast run. There is very little shade on the course. Make sure you wear a hat or visor as temperatures are most likely going to be in the 80s for the April event.

With a three loop bike and three loop run, all participants pass by the main transition area/finish line multiple times throughout the course of the day. The best place to stay is within that main transition area.

QUALIFYING SLOTS
There are 80 slots available for the Ironman World Championships

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually $425 USD.

LOCAL BIKE SHOP
The main bike shop in Tempe is Landis Cyclery. They have four locations and can be reached at 408.730.1081.

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2008 Winners
Male:
Overall Time:
Female:
Overall Time:

2007 Winners
Male: Rutger Beke
Overall Time: 8:21:14 (swim: 52:08, bike: 4:30:21, run: 2:54:40)
Female: Heather Gollnick
Overall Time: 9:36:40 (swim: 52:13, bike: 5:23:28, run: 3:15:48)

2006 Winners
Male: Michael Lovato
Overall Time: 8:20:56 (swim: 52:59, bike: 4:30:25, run: 2:53:19)
Female: Michellie Jones
Overall Time: 9:12:53 (swim: 52:57, bike: 4:59:49, run: 3:15:30)

2005 Winners
Male: Faris Al-Sultan
Overall Time: 8:25:42 (swim: 49:13, bike: 4:37:40, run: 2:53:52)
Female: Kate Major
Overall Time: 9:44:02 (swim: 59:07, bike: 5:15:59, run: 3:24:56)