WHIRLPOOL STEELHEAD 70.3 TRIATHLON COURSE

Course Cutoff Times

You will need to complete each leg of the course within the designated cutoff time listed below, or you will be disqualified from the race.

Swim:	1-hour & 15-minutes from the start of the last swim wave.
Bike:	5-hours & 30-minutes from the start of the last swim wave.
Run:	8-hours from the start of the last swim wave.

If for any reason you are unable to complete the event, you must report to the timing tent (located at the finish line) and turn in your ChampionChip. This is mandatory for your safety and for the peace of mind for your friends and family.

Course Hydration

Aid stations on the bike course are located at approximately mile 15, 30, and 45. Each station will serve water and Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime flavor).

Based on years of extensive research with elite and endurance athletes, Gatorade Endurance Formula contains a unique five-electrolyte blend including nearly twice the sodium (200mg) and three times the potassium (90mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher as well as calcium, magnesium, and chloride to help you better replace what you lose in sweat during longer and more intense active occasions. Please visit www.gatorade.com/endurance for more information about the Gatorade Endurance Formula.

There will be 12 aid stations on the run course, approximately every mile. Each station will serve Gatorade Endurance Formula (orange flavor) and water.

For a complete course description please view our 2007 Athletes Guide now available in pdf format.

1.2 Mile Swim Course (view map)The point-to-point, beach start, 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.

Transition Area (view map)
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.

56 Mile Bike Course (view map)

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.   (view description)

13.1 Mile Run Course (view 2 part map)
For bike and run course profiles, visit the Michigan Outlaws web site at http://michiganoutlaws.com/steelhead.htm.

Note:
Course is subject to change. A final course description and maps will be posted two weeks before the event.