The final preparations are underway for Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Calgary, with crews completing the transformation of the course overnight.<\/p>\n
Beginning at 7 a.m., approximately 1,300 athletes from 17 countries will compete in the largest race ever centred in the Cochrane area.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Race schedule<\/p>\n
\u2022 7:00 a.m. \u2013 Rolling swim start at Ghost Lake
\n\u2022 Approximately 9:30 a.m. \u2013 First athlete expected to finish
\n\u2022 10:00 a.m. onward \u2013 Majority of athletes expected at the finish line
\n\u2022 3:30 p.m. \u2013 Course closes
\n\u2022 3:30 p.m. \u2013 Awards and roll-down ceremony at Historic Cochrane Ranche<\/p>\n
The course<\/p>\n
Swim<\/p>\n
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Location: Ghost Lake (about 15 minutes west of Cochrane)<\/p>\n
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Distance: 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles)<\/p>\n
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Format: Single-loop, counter-clockwise course<\/p>\n
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Start: Rolling start every five seconds from the boat launch<\/p>\n
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Swim cut-off: 1 hour, 10 minutes<\/p>\n
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Bike<\/p>\n
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Run<\/p>\n
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Distance: Half marathon (21.1 kilometres)<\/p>\n
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Format: Two-loop course<\/p>\n
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Features: 13 aid station passes and Bow River views<\/p>\n
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Finish: Historic Cochrane Ranche<\/p>\n
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Final course cut-off: Approximately 3:30 p.m. (8\u00bd hours after the final swimmer starts)<\/p>\n
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Spectator guide<\/p>\n
Best places to watch<\/p>\n
Historic Cochrane Ranche<\/p>\n
Hillbilly Hollow (Mitford Park)<\/p>\n
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One of the event’s signature cheering zones<\/p>\n
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DJ, food trucks and stage programming<\/p>\n
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Best viewing: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.<\/p>\n
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Parking and shuttle service<\/p>\n
There is no public parking at:<\/p>\n
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Ghost Lake<\/p>\n
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Historic Cochrane Ranche<\/p>\n
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Mitford Park<\/p>\n
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Spectators should park at:<\/p>\n
Free shuttle service operates:<\/p>\n
The shuttle connects spectators with Mitford Park and Historic Cochrane Ranche.<\/p>\n
Weather<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One benefit of the hot weather is warmer water in Ghost Lake.<\/p>\n
Ironman Chief Sweat Officer Tom Bamford says the lake is about 19 C \u2014 considerably warmer than the 14 C often seen this time of year \u2014 making for comfortable swimming conditions.<\/p>\n
Athlete tracking<\/p>\n
Friends and family can follow competitors throughout the day using the Ironman Athlete Tracker app.<\/p>\n
Traffic impacts<\/p>\n
Motorists should expect delays throughout Sunday and allow extra travel time.<\/p>\n
Key closures and restrictions include:<\/p>\n
Sunset Drive<\/p>\n
Highway 22\/Sunset Boulevard<\/p>\n
Glenbow Drive pathway crossing<\/p>\n
Glenpatrick Drive pathway crossing<\/p>\n
Historic Cochrane Ranche<\/p>\n
Residents and visitors are asked to obey traffic control personnel, follow posted signage and use extra caution around athletes throughout the day.<\/p>\n
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