Ironman Austria has been challenging athletes since 1998. The race takes place in the historic town of Klagenfurt. As the capital of Carinthia, Klagenfurt is home to some incredible baroque and medieval architecture, including the spectacular Klagenfurt cathedral, the Gurk cathedral and the ominous, 1,000 year old Hochosterwitz Castle.

Ironman Austria is normally held in mid-July (usually on the same day as Ironman Switzerland) and is a very popular event that normally sells out every year. Part of the draw to the race is the incredibly flat marathon, one of the flattest marathons you'll find in any Ironman race, rivaling Ironman Arizona and Ironman South Africa. Like all Ironman events, the race distances are:
SWIM: 2.4 miles
BIKE: 112 miles
RUN: 26.2 miles

The weather in Austria during July is usually fairly mild, with averages in the low 70s. However, it has been known to get warmer on race day, so prepare for extra hydration, as needed.

Ironman Austria is organized by multi-sport event management company, [Triangle], who also are the folks behind [Ironman South Africa 70.3], Ironman South Africa, [Ironman Austria 70.3], Ironman France and [Ironman Monaco 70.3].

SWIM
distance: 2.4 miles
The Ironman Austria swim takes place in the crystal clear blue waters of Lake Woerthersee with the end of the swim leaving the Lake and traveling up a river to the swim exit. It is a rectangular course with a water start (pros start 40m ahead of the age group athletes). Athletes will swim in a counter-clockwise direction (buoys on the left). (click here for a map of the Ironman Austria swim course). Water temperatures are usually about 25 degrees Celsius (mid-70s F). Wetsuits are allowed.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
The Ironman Austria bike course is a two loop course through quaint Austrian villages and the scenic countryside. It features a mix of flat and rolling sections, with the notorious Ruperiberg Hill greeting riders at the 60 km point of each loop. The hill takes riders up 148 meters (approx. 444 feet) in 2.5 kilometers, peaking at the highest point of the course (686 meters). Parts of the climb reach a grade of 11.7%, though the average grade on the climb is about 6%.

Following the Ruperiberg climb, the course gradually descends back to transition. The last 15 kilometers of each loop is primarily downhill.

The course is normally packed with spectators throughout, adding to the level of excitement on the race.

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
The Ironman Austria run is one of the flattest marathons of any Ironman - or any marathon, for that matter. It is a two-loop course along Lake Woerthersee and through the scenic downtown of Klagenfurt. It is a beautiful course that has runners passing the city five times, creating ample opportunity for spectators to cheer on their athletes.

QUALIFYING SLOTS
There are 50 slots available for the Ironman World Championships

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually $430 USD.

BIKE SHOP
For bike shipments and support, visit Triangle Sports (www.trianglesports.at).

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

2007 Winners
Male: Marino Vanhoenacker
Overall Time: 8:06:39 (swim: 48:30, bike: 4:21:13, run: 2:53:30)
Female: Edith Niederfriniger
Overall Time: 9:08:47 (swim: 50:57, bike: 5:06:18, run: 3:07:25)

2006 Winners
Male: Marino Vanhoenacker
Overall Time: 8:07:59 (swim: 47:59, bike: 4:27:07, run: 2:49:23)
Female: Rebecca Preston
Overall Time: 9:12:09 (swim: 53:37, bike: 5:01:49, run: 3:12:10)

2005 Winners
Male: Raynard-Shayne Tissink
Overall Time: 8:14:36 (swim: 49:24, bike: 4:26:48, run: 2:54:26)
Female: Kate Allen
Overall Time: 9:07:03 (swim: 51:39, bike: 5:07:54, run: 3:03:11)