Zurich, Switzerland is a popular destination for travelers worldwide, drawn to the wonderful culture, detailed history and extreme beauty of the land. Centered in the middle is Lake Zurich, one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the world, making it a perfect location for Ironman racing.

The Ironman Switzerland race course is both challenging and scenic. Starting with a swim in Lake Zurich, athletes then ride one of the most beautiful Ironman bike courses in the world before completing a marathon on the shores of the Lake.

The weather in Zurich during July is usually fairly warm and sunny, with averages from 77 to 86 degrees.

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 Ironman Switzerland swim is a two-loop course that takes place in the beautiful and clean Lake Zurich. Athletes begin with a U-shaped loop in a clockwise direction (buoys on the right). Upon nearing the exit, swimmers will turn around another buoy and travel in a diagonal direction to complete a triangular loop and finish the swim. (click here for a map of the Ironman Switzerland swim course). Water temperatures are usually in the low 70s. Wetsuits are allowed for water temperatures below 75 degrees.

BIKE
distance: 112 miles
The Ironman Switzerland bike course is considered to be one of the most scenic of all Ironman bike routes, rivaling Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman France. It is a two loop course. About half of the loop is relatively flat while the rest is marked by significant climbs. Most of the climbing takes place between kilometers 30 and 70 of each loop. The most critical of the climbs are Heartbreak Hill and the Beast. Significant hill training is recommended!

RUN
distance: 26.2 miles
The run takes runners back and forth along the beautiful shores of Lake Zurich. It is an out and back route that is done four times before finishing the race.

Ironman Switzerland elevation gain, bike course

QUALIFYING SLOTS
There are 75 slots available for the Ironman World Championships

ENTRY FEE
Costs are usually 400 Euros (about $570 USD).

BIKE SHOP
The Official Race Bike Doctor will be at the race expo to help athletes.

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

2007 Winners
Male: Ronnie Schildknecht
Overall Time: 8:25:00 (swim: 53:41, bike: 4:36:26, run: 2:53:12)
Female: Rebecca Preston
Overall Time: 9:20:43 (swim: 57:09, bike: 5:03:02, run: 3:18:14)

2006 Winners
Male: Stefan Riesen
Overall Time: 8:16:50 (swim: 53:46, bike: 4:23:58, run: 2:56:53)
Female: Rebecca Preston
Overall Time: 9:24:18 (swim: 56:38, bike: 5:07:23, run: 3:17:57)