The Ironman Japan course caters to the strengths and weaknesses of almost every Ironman athlete. With flats, serious climbs and casual rollers, athletes are challenged throughout all aspects of the course.

The race usually takes place at the end of June, when many of the flowers are in full bloom around Goto Island, making for a beautiful race. Weather is usually mild around this time of year, with cool temperatures in the morning but afternoon highs in the mid-70s (F). Rain can sometimes be a factor in this race.

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 starts in the crystal clear watters in front of Sun Sun Tomie Camp Village. It is a two loop rectangular course with a short beach run between each loop. Water temperatures are normally in the low to mid-70s (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Wetsuits are allowed.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
The Ironman Japan bike course brings riders around Fukue Island, with experiences of varying terrain. Long flat sections are combined with gradual rollers and steady 600 foot climbs. It is a three-loop course with extremely smooth roads.

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
The run is the most challenging aspect of the Ironman Japan course. It is a two-loop route through Goto City and around Mount Onidake that features a series of steep rolling hills. (see elevation gain chart below)

Ironman Japan, elevation gain, Run Course

SWIM
As you're swimming away from the beach, the cone-shaped Mt. Onidake is the best (and biggest) landmark to sight off of. As you are heading back towards shore, focus on the white sand beach and the steel tower on the green hill to keep you on track.

BIKE
The roads at Ironman Japan are arguably some of the smoothest roads of any Ironman race. The course is definitely suitable for race wheels, though be prepared for sharp descents and potentially rainy, wet roads.

Most of the race course is closed to public transportation, however, there are quite a few technical turns and downhill corners on the course.

RUN
Make sure you save your legs on the bike as this race is really determined by the run. The entire run has little to no flat sections, you're either going up or down. It is a quad buster that will reward those who have raced smart through the earlier part of the day.

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

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually 45,000 Japanese Yen (about $400 USD).

BIKE SHOP
Bring your bike to the race expo for help.

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

2007 Winners
Male: Park Byung Hoon
Overall Time: 8:46:32 (swim: , bike: , run: )
Female: Naomi Imaizumi
Overall Time: 9:44:11 (swim: , bike: , run: )

2006 Winners
Male: Chris Lieto
Overall Time: 8:43:20 (swim: 53:41, bike: 4:46:19, run: 3:03:20)
Female: Heather Fuhr
Overall Time: 9:49:17 (swim: 1:01:35, bike: 5:39:11, run: 3:08:31)