COURSE

Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead is a Long distance triathlon consisting of:
1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.

* NOTE: Course details subject to change for reasons of safety and distance accuracy.

SWIM COURSE

The point-to-point, beach start, 1.2 mile swim will be parallel and will flow in the direction of the lake current with the finish at Jean Klock Park.

If the current is flowing from south to north, the swim will start at Tiscornia Park. If the current is flowing from north to south, the swim will start at Rocky Gap Park.

You will have to walk from transition the 1.2 miles down the beach.

The swim finishes about 150 yards from the entrance to transition. The water will be 10-12 feet deep, and the water temperature is typically 60-74 degrees, and triathlon wetsuits are allowed.

Lake Michigan can be calm or choppy depending on the winds, so expect 1-3 foot waves.

Athletes will swim outside a line of buoys and inside a line of lifeguards on rescue boats, kayaks and surfboards.

SWIM MAP >>

BIKE COURSE

The 56-mile bike course will take triathletes through the scenic northern Berrien and eastern Van Buren counties in southwest Michigan.

This area is part of the Michigan "fruit belt" and includes numerous blueberry, strawberry and raspberry farms as well as vineyards and orchards.

The course roadways are mostly asphalt, in good condition with some rolling hills throughout.

Disc wheels ARE allowed in this event.

BIKE MAP AND PROFILE >>

RUN COURSE

The run takes place on roadways and the Whirlpool Corporate Campus.

RUN MAP AND PROFILE >>

Transition Area

The transition area is staged in a large parking lot located in Jean Klock Park. The transition area will be fenced with plenty of bike racks and secured by event staff and a team of volunteers. The swim-finish and race-finish are within 200-yards of the transition area.