Photo Friday: 2019 Ironman Florida

Saturday, Nov.2 saw nearly 2,500 athletes from 64 different countries take on Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach, with professionals contesting the event for the first time since 2014. (It was a pro men only race – the women compete at Ironman Arizona later this month). It proved to be a very fast day of racing, as Great Britain’s Joe Skipper torched the course record by almost seven minutes and the top-three men all finished under eight hours. Below are a few of the top images from the event.

Athletes make their way into the Gulf of Mexico to began their Ironman day. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

An overhead view of the beach as athletes and spectators crowd the area in anticipation of the swim start. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

An athlete carves through the water during the swim portion of the event. Photo Credit: Deuce Bradshaw for IRONMAN

Ironman Florida. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Athletes cycle over a Bay Country bridge. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Athletes cycle through one of the many scenic areas on the flat, fast bike course. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Two athletes contest the run course together in Panama City Beach. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Double amputee Sidney Smith moving through the run course amid the bright sunlight. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Joe Skipper crosses the finish line in a new course record of 7:46:28. Photo Credit: Deuce Bradshaw for IRONMAN

Great Britain's Joe Skipper celebrating his victory at Ironman Florida. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Men's top-three finishers Ben Hoffman, Joe Skipper and Andrew Starykowicz pop bottles of champagne on the podium. Photo Credit: Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN