The final preparations are underway for Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Calgary, with crews completing the transformation of the course overnight.
Beginning at 7 a.m., approximately 1,300 athletes from 17 countries will compete in the largest race ever centred in the Cochrane area.
The race begins at Ghost Lake before winding through Rocky View County, the Bow River corridor, Cochrane’s pathway system and Historic Cochrane Ranche, which serves as race headquarters and the finish line.
Race schedule
• 7:00 a.m. – Rolling swim start at Ghost Lake
• Approximately 9:30 a.m. – First athlete expected to finish
• 10:00 a.m. onward – Majority of athletes expected at the finish line
• 3:30 p.m. – Course closes
• 3:30 p.m. – Awards and roll-down ceremony at Historic Cochrane Ranche
The course
Swim
Location: Ghost Lake (about 15 minutes west of Cochrane)
Distance: 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles)
Format: Single-loop, counter-clockwise course
Start: Rolling start every five seconds from the boat launch
Swim cut-off: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Bike
Run
Distance: Half marathon (21.1 kilometres)
Format: Two-loop course
Features: 13 aid station passes and Bow River views
Finish: Historic Cochrane Ranche
Final course cut-off: Approximately 3:30 p.m. (8½ hours after the final swimmer starts)
Spectator guide
Best places to watch
Historic Cochrane Ranche
Hillbilly Hollow (Mitford Park)
One of the event’s signature cheering zones
DJ, food trucks and stage programming
Best viewing: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parking and shuttle service
There is no public parking at:
Ghost Lake
Historic Cochrane Ranche
Mitford Park
Spectators should park at:
Free shuttle service operates:
The shuttle connects spectators with Mitford Park and Historic Cochrane Ranche.
Weather
Heat will be a significant factor for cyclists and runners after several days of high temperatures. Smoke from wildfires also affected air quality leading into the weekend, although conditions improved after Friday’s Environment Canada Orange Warning and temperatures are expected to moderate slightly on Sunday.
One benefit of the hot weather is warmer water in Ghost Lake.
Ironman Chief Sweat Officer Tom Bamford says the lake is about 19 C — considerably warmer than the 14 C often seen this time of year — making for comfortable swimming conditions.
Athlete tracking
Friends and family can follow competitors throughout the day using the Ironman Athlete Tracker app.
Traffic impacts
Motorists should expect delays throughout Sunday and allow extra travel time.
Key closures and restrictions include:
Sunset Drive
Highway 22/Sunset Boulevard
Glenbow Drive pathway crossing
Glenpatrick Drive pathway crossing
Historic Cochrane Ranche
Residents and visitors are asked to obey traffic control personnel, follow posted signage and use extra caution around athletes throughout the day.
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