Ironman 2012

Written By: Miller and Associates Realty On: 12th November 2012 Under: Uncategorized

Every year, for over a decade now, Panama City Beach has played host to one of the older IRONMAN races in the US. In fact, only Lake Placid’s race has been held longer and that’s by less than a year (both started in 1999). PCB is a perfect spot due to mild weather and the abundance of activities and natural beauty to enjoy before and after race day. In addition to the spectacle of the event itself, the local economy always gets a boost from the racers, who typically spend between five and seven days here and treat it as much like a vacation as a race. In fact, Joanie Miller, the Broker and Owner of our own Miller and Associates, is renting her condo to a competitor in this year’s event and the reservation has been on the books for months.
Like all full IRONMAN, our race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2 mile run. That being said, our course is unique in some ways. With the water being as mild as it is, athletes are able to make the swim in the waters of the Gulf, wearing wetsuits. One of the few IRONMAN triathlons to feature such an open water swim, the two loops can be seen in their entirety by the many locals who set up to view it from the beach. The flat terrain presents a challenge during the cycling portion, one that surprises less experienced competitors who assume a lack of hilly terrain would make for an easier day in the saddle. On the contrary, the lack of elevation changes is mentally exhausting and requires the racers to stay very aware of their pacing. In addition, the breezes that make the weather so pleasant can become a severe challenge towards the end up the day. The run is a bit more straightforward and the fact that it loops through so many local neighborhoods provides the spectators with a great show and the racers with plenty of encouragement over the, again, relatively flat 26.2 miles. St. Andrews Park, one of Florida’s top ranked state parks, is also featured during this portion of the race and its shady, natural beauty is a highlight for many runners.
IRONMAN Panama City Beach is used as a qualifying event for the world championships in Hawaii and, out of the hundreds of competitors, there are 50 qualifying slots for said event. Results, live coverage, and more detailed information for all IRONMAN events can be found at Ironman