Ironman South Africa event takes place in Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) each year and Albeit Lodge offers Ironman Accommodation. The tough event comprises a swim of 3.8km, a bike ride of 180.2 km and then a run of 42.2km. The event sells out by October and there is even a waiting list in case competitors drop out.
The swim route this years takes on a slightly different route. The swim starts at Hobie Beach, past Humewood Beach and onto Kings Beach where the swimmers turn at the buoy markers and then return to Hobie Beach. The swim cut off time is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The bike route in 2014 also takes a slightly different route. The course is 2 loops of 90km in length. The new bike route extends from Mount Pleasant and includes Seaview Road, Kragga Kamma Road, De Stades Road and Maitland Road. Th e cut off time for completing the bike route from the start of the race is 10 hours and 30 minutes.
The running route comprises 3 loops of a 14.07km circuit along Marine Drive. This part of the race is flat and makes for a fast running race. The total cut off time for the Ironman South Africa 2014 race is 17 hours after the start of the race or midnight.
Spectators are being well catered for this year as the course id designed to bring the athletes back to the start/finish point at Hobie Beach 10 times ensuring you get maximum viewing of this exciting event. Throughout the day there will be entertainment laid on with a kid’s program, traditional dancers, give-away’s for the crowds and announcements. Volunteers wearing “Ask-Me” T-Shirts will be available throughout the public area to answer any questions you may have on the day.
On the day of the race Marine Drive will be closed between 5am and 12pm. Parking will be available for spectators at Kings Beach, Pollock Beach, The Boardwalk Casino, Technikon parking area and on the grass area at 2nd Avenue. Just like at the famous Tour de France race fans will be able to write the names of their star athletes on the tarmac streets – the only requirement is that you use chalk or washable colours.
As the last athlete crosses the finish line there will be a fireworks display – the timed estimate for this is approximately 11.30pm to midnight.
The weekend events attracts a huge amount of tourists to Port Elizabeth boosting the local tourism industry especially guest houses, self catering establishments and hotels which put up many of the competitors that come from near and far. If you are looking for Port Elizabeth Accommodation for this event please click on the link at the top of this page.