Ranked as one of the fittest cities in the country, Austin not only provides the perfect landscape for swimming, cycling and running, but serves as the perfect tourist destination. From shopping and entertainment to sporting events and history, Austin is packed with choices for both athletes and spectators. This race also serves as the IRONMAN 70.3 U.S. Collegiate National Championship.
The athlete’s day starts with a 1.2-mile, one-loop swim in Decker Lake, a recreational freshwater lake located at Walter E. Long Park with average water temperatures typically between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following the swim, athletes continue on to a scenic, rural, one-loop, 56-mile bike ride passing through rolling Texas farmlands. Athletes will view expansive ranches, cedar-covered vistas, sunflower fields and prickly pear cacti.
The bike portion concludes at Luedecke Arena where athletes will kick off their three-loop half marathon. Taking athletes back to Walter E. Long Park and along the shores of Decker Lake, spectators will be able to cheer their athletes on as they reenter the Travis County Expo Center and finish their day inside the Luedecke Arena. Jessica Meyers, the 2011 champion comments, “Austin 70.3 has the distinction of finishing in an indoor arena, where family and spectators can escape the heat to watch you finish.”