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You Are Here: Home » Things to Do » Spectator Sports » Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 »
Great athletes from around the globe will once again meet in beautiful Clearwater to determine who can best meet the rigors of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run -- all in under 7 1/2 hours!
The Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 -- that's the total number of miles covered by competitors -- takes place on November 14, 2009 and includes an expected 1,500 athletes. Among those lining up at Clearwater Beachs' Pier 60 for the 6:45am swim start will be celebrity chef and author, Rocco DiSpirito. Entrants, like DiSpirito, typically train 15-30 per week and must qualify at one of the 31 worldwide Ironman events in order to participate in this challenging event.
Athletes aren't the only ones in the thick of the action though. This exciting annual event draws a great spectator crowd too.
Recommended Viewing Areas
Spectators can cheer on their favorite athlete at many varied points throughout the race route. Recommended viewing includes:
6:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Swim Start - Best viewing is on Clearwater Beach, just south of Pier 60.
7:05 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. Swim Finish/Transition 1 - See the athletes exit the water, change into their cycling gear and head out Causeway Boulevard and across the Memorial Causeway bridge.
9:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Transition 2/Run Start - Watch for the NBC helicopter and Pace Vehicle as they bring the leaders in from the bike course. Age group athletes will follow over the next several hours.
9:50 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Run Turnaround - Athletes will begin their second run lap at the turnaround near Pier 60.
10:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Finish Line - Cheer on the finishers as we crown this year's Ironman 70.3 World Champions and as more than 1,500 athletes cross the finish line at Pier 60!
Complete race course details can be found here.
For more race information visit www.MyClearwater.com/Ironman
Live coverage of the event will be shown on universalsports.com
Save on Your Stay! 2009 Official Event Hotels
Get great hotel deals for your visit during the Foster Grant Ironman World Champtionship 70.3.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Sink your toes into 10 acres of sugar-white sands at the exclusive Sheraton Sand Key Resort beach resort located in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Enjoy pool and beach activities, tennis, spa services, fitness center,shopping, casual and fine dining and more.
For reservations, please call 727-595-1611. Be sure to mention Ironman to receive the discounted $199.00 rate. www.sheratonsandkey.com
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
The Resort is adjacent to Pier 60 and the start and finish of the race. The Hilton is centrally located in Clearwater Beach and overlooks 10 acres of brilliant white sands. The newly renovated resort offers a fresh new look, contemporary guest rooms, and a warm, open ambiance in the lobby, restaurant and lounge areas. Also, available are two beachside pools, casual outdoor and indoor dining, fitness center and much more.
For reservations, please call 800-753-3954. Be sure to mention Ironman to receive the discounted $215.00 rate.
Marriott Residence Inn Downtown Clearwater
Residence Inn Clearwater Downtown is Clearwater's brand new gem. It is the all-suites hotel that helps you feel connected while away from home. We are perfectly positioned for you to easily access all that the Tampa Bay area has to offer. Just minutes from the airport, Clearwater Beach and all Ironman eventactivities. All suites are equipped with full kitchens. We also have a heated pool, fitness center, and complimentary full hot "All American" breakfast each morning.
For reservations, please call 727-562-5400. Be sure to mention Ironman to receive the discounted rates.Studio Suite $99.00; One-Bedroom Suite $109.00 www.marriott.com/tparw
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites
Escape to our tropical resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Clearwater, Beach. The resort offers tasteful, comfortable guest rooms as well as one and two bedroom suites featuring private balconies. Comfort and excellent service, all at an affordable price. Amenities include outdoor swimming pool, children's wading pool, fitness room, gift shop, redemption game room, complimentary wireless internet, salon, outdoor Tiki Bar with live entertainment and Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar for your dining pleasure. Sunsets and dolphin sightings are always complimentary!
For reservations, please call 1-800-770-6461 (US only) or (727) 447-6461. Be sure to mention Ironman to receive the discounted rate of $162.00. www.clearwaterbeachholidayinn.com
Photo by: Bakke-Svensson/Ironman
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Copyright ©2009 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.