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 & 15-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.
A complete course description will be available in our 2008 Athletes Guide.
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)
The run takes place on roadways and the Whirlpool Corporate Campus.
Note: Course is subject to change. A final course description and maps will
be posted two weeks before the event. |
