Formerly known as Ironman Germany, since 2006 the race has been host to the Ironman European Championship. As such, the race attracts an enormous spectator turn-out. Additionally, the widespread media and TV support brings tremendous exposure to the race, second only to the Ironman World Championships.

The race takes place in Frankfurt Germany in early July and, as of 2008, has been packed with a sold-out crowd of approx. 2,500 participants. Nearly 500,000 spectators are present on the course, with almost 20,000 cheering athletes on at the starting line and thousands screaming and cheering at one of the world's biggest finish-line parties awaiting athletes at the end of the race.

The weather in Frankfurt during July is usually in the mid-70s, though racers should prepare for a variety of conditions. Previous years have seen cold, hot and/or wet weather affecting race day.

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

SWIM
distance: 2.4 miles
The swim takes place in Langener Waldsee, a quarry/recreational lake that is approximately 12km (7 1/2 miles) from the finish line in downtown Frankfurt. Shuttle buses bring athletes from downtown to the starting line free of charge.

It is a two loop course with one large triangular loop and then a smaller U-shaped route. Athletes swim in a counter-clockwise direction (buoys on the left) and, after the first loop, will get out of the water for a short run across the sand before returning to complete the final lap of the swim. (click here to see a PDF version of the Ironman European Championship swim course).

Water temperatures are usually about 22 degrees celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). Wetsuits are allowed.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
The bike course is the most challenging aspect of the Ironman European Championships. After riding away from the Langener Waldsee swim location, athletes ride to downtown Frankfurt and begin a two loop course through Frankfurt and the quaint villages of the surrounding countryside.

There are three challenging hills on each loop (at about kilometer 20, 34 and 79), with a total elevation gain on the ride of 1,000 meters (approx. 3,000 feet). Some of the roads are cobblestone, creating an additional challenge, but with spectators lining the street athletes will sense a "Tour de France" feel to their experience.

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
The run takes runners back and forth along the river Main. It is an out and back route that is done three times before finishing the race. The Ironman European Championship run course is extremely flat and fast with a lot of spectators lining the course.

Ironman European Championships elevation gain, bike course

QUALIFYING SLOTS
There are 120 slots available for the Ironman World Championships

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually 360 Euros.

BIKE SHOP
The primary bike shop is Fahrrad Bottgen World of Bikes (www.bikes.de) located in Frankfurt.

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

2007 Winners
Male: Timo Bracht
Overall Time: 8:09:15 (swim: 48:25, bike: 4:29:44, run: 2:47:34)
Female: Nicole Leder
Overall Time: 9:04:11 (swim: 53:08, bike: 5:01:04, run: 3:05:55)