Rebranded as the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, the race previously known as the Gulf Coast Triathlon will keep its historic roots and take place on Saturday, May 13, 2017, joining the historic IRONMAN Florida triathlon on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Panama City Beach.

The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast race will take place Saturday, May 13, 2017, with general registration opening November 9, 2016. 

The race will begin with a 1.2-mile, open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, along white sand shores. Competitors then bike 56-miles on an out-and-back course which travels through the rural areas of Bay County and Panama City Beach.

Flat and fast, the 13.1-mile run will feature some of the most picturesque beach front areas that distinguish the area, with a spectacular finish at the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort.  With 27 miles of white sand beach, Panama City Beach proves to be a great destination for athletes and families alike, with multiple state and beachfront city parks, nearly 100 public beach access points, and an untouched seven-mile long barrier island.

“Panama City Beach looks forward to welcoming competitors from around the globe to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast triathlon,” says Richard Sanders, VP of Sports and Events for Visit Panama City Beach.

“Having IRONMAN united with an event and a course known for beautiful beaches, personal records, and good weather, is a perfect opportunity for athletes and their families to have a real fun race.”

IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast will offer 50 slots to the 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place on September 9 and 10, 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Source: Ironman.com