Ironman officially announces the race course for the inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville taking place on August 26, 2007. The race will begin at Waterfront Park, where both transition areas will be located and athletes will finish alongside a festive atmosphere at Fourth Street Live. “In collaboration with the Greater Louisville Sports Commission (GLSC), we’ve developed a challenging course that showcases the many historic areas of Louisville and its signature landmarks. The course will provide a spectator-friendly environment for a town that truly embraces world-class sporting events,” says Ford Ironman Louisville Event Director, Steve Meckfessel.Swim: The 2.4 mile/3.8 km swim will consist of a one-loop course in the Ohio River. Athletes will travel against a slight current to the turnaround point then travel back toward the swim exit located at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.Bike: Athletes will experience much of the greater Louisville area on the 112 mile/180.2 km bike course. The route will take athletes east on River Road with the first 10 miles on flat terrain and beginning in Oldham County, competitors will encounter rolling hills. The course, not highly technical, will also include two loops through the city of LaGrange, and Oldham and Henry Counties. There will be multiple aid stations located throughout the course providing hydration, nutritional and communications support.Run: The 26.2 mile/42.4 km run, encompassing two loops, will take athletes past a variety of Louisville’s well-known sites to include the University of Louisville (U of L) campus, Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and downtown. Competitors will encounter a flat, picturesque course with a turnaround point at Iroquois Park and a finish line celebration at Fourth Street Live. Aid stations will be located approximately every mile on the run course. Temperatures on race day are expected to range from the low 70s F to the upper 80s F. The Galt House will house Athlete Check-In and the Pre-Race Briefing, as well the Ford Ironman Village. The Welcome Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC).
