Though 2008 marks the inaugural year of Ironman China, the organization behind the event has high hopes of making it one of the most popular Ironman races in the world. The event takes place in late April on the Hainan Island - China's largest island. The host city, Haikou, is also known as "Coconut City" and is both the business center of Hainan as well as a driver of the Hainan economy, culture and transportation.

Haikou lies at the northern tip of Hainan Island and is surrounded on three sides by water, offering long, beautiful coastlines that play host to Ironman China.

The course combines challenging sections with ample room for recovery: a flat swim, a hilly bike and a flat run.

Like all Ironman races, the distances are:
SWIM: 2.4 miles
BIKE: 112 miles
RUN: 26.2 miles

Haikou temperatures in April are normally in the high 70s F (about 26 degrees C). Temperatures will most likely be in the low 70s at the start of the race and warm up to the 80s in the afternoon.

For those interested in a shorter course, the [Ironman 70.3 China] occurs on the same day and same course as Ironman China.

Click here for a video overview of the Ironman China course.

SWIM
distance: 2.4 miles
The swim is a one-loop course in the South China Sea. Though it is open water, the water is usually flat off the coast of Haikou. The swim starts and finishes at the public beach of Bin Hai Road. Water temperatures are usually warm, averaging about 23-25 degrees C (74-77 degrees F). Wetsuits are most likely allowed for this race.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
The bike is a two loop course through northern end of Hainan Island. It is a fairly challenging course with four significant climbs (8 climbs on the entire 112 miles). Though the downhill provides ample time for recovery before approaching the next ascent, there is very little flat riding on the course.

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
The run is one of the flattest and fastest of Ironman marathons. It is a two loop course that stays close to the water, allowing for a cool breeze to ease the 80 degree temperatures. There are two bridges that runners cross which mark the only hills of the course. The second bridge (about 13 km into the loop) is the most significant climb with a 40 meter (120 feet) elevation gain.

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

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually $470 USD.

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