Getting ready for IRONMAN 70.3 Calgary
The new course is fast, so expect great finishing times and lots of fun
This year’s race is the 10th anniversary of IRONMAN 70.3 in Calgary, AB. Falling on the same weekend as IRONMAN Canada, 70.3 Calgary offers a new course that is very fast and has excellent views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The new course begins and ends in the community of Auburn Bay. The 1.9K swim starts from the beach of Auburn Bay Lake and is a two loop course. Sighting in the lake is said to be comfortable, this is in large part due to its clear waters. With the warm temperatures of late, make sure to check the temperature before the start (24C is non-wetsuit). Then it’s a 90K bike along Alberta’s ranch countryside. Calgary, a city in the shadows of the Rockies offers stunning views of the mountains, and this course is no exception. For the half marathon, the runners will then head out on the Bow River Pathway. Though the course is mostly flat, be wary of the tough climb up Bow River Valley.
The city of Calgary is no stranger to athletics, in 1988 they hosted the Winter Olympic Games, as well as being a training centre for some of Canada’s top winter and summer athletes. Be sure when you’re out in Calgary to explore the city and the Olympic Park: ski jump, Olympic Oval and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.
