Every year, for over 25 years (this year being it’s 26th), Panama City Beach has been home to the Ironman Florida Triathlon. It’s popularity continues to grow each year because it’s not just a race, it’s a special event and pure excitement, dedication, and determination for the athletes that come together for this event from all over the world. It’s grown in popularity for the spectators as well, as they can watch and enjoy the swimming event in the morning from their own balcony, while staying at the heart of it all at the Calypso Resort and Towers. Then, throughout the day, spectators can watch the bikers and runners on Front Beach Road and cheer them on at the finish line at Pier Park! If you want to be a part of this special event, be sure to book with us for some of the best seats in the house!
According to Triathlon Bikes, the Ironman is one of the most prestigious and challenging endurance events in the world. The history of Ironman dates back to 1978, when a group of athletes gathered on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to compete in a grueling endurance test that would come to be known as the Ironman.
The first Ironman event was held on February 18, 1978. To learn more about the event that was the brainchild of John Collins, a U.S. Navy Commander, be sure to watch here. John Collins wanted to create a challenging endurance event that would test the limits of human endurance.
Over the years, the Ironman has undergone many changes and improvements. In 1982, the event was extended to a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. This format is still used today, and it is considered the standard for Ironman events around the world. It is the format that will be used in Panama City Beach for the next Ironman in November.
In the early years, the Ironman was only open to men, but in 1984, the event was opened up to women. The event now offers a division for athletes with disabilities, known as the “Adaptive Division”, which is open to athletes with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. The “Age Group Division” is open to athletes of all ages and abilities, and it offers a unique opportunity for athletes to compete against their peers and test their own limits.
Ironman In Panama City Beach
Date: November 2, 2024
Time: 6:00 a.m.
Where: Pier Park
This annual event is one of the most talked about events in Northern American races. As stated above, it consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bicycle ride and a 26.22 marathon run, all raced in that order. The race begins at Russel-Fields Pier Park with the 2.4 mile swim, followed by the 112 mile bicycle ride through the beautiful Florida pines, and finally ending with the 26.2 mile run back along the Emerald Coast shoreline to the finish line, which is always lined with spectators, ready to cheer the participants on to their finish at Pier Park, ending where it all began.
Have you ever thought about being a volunteer and helping out? Volunteers are always needed to make special events like this happen, so if you’d like to consider it, be sure to apply here for check-in, or for the bike aid stations, and much more! You’ll be a very important part of this amazing race!
Thanks to a beautiful seashore and perfect temperatures, Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida is a magnet for triathletes and their families. As the weather becomes cooler and the sunsets more spectacular, it’s the perfect time of year to visit Panama City Beach and witness for yourself this most talked about North American race! Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, you’re going to need a place to stay during your visit. Run, bike or swim, as fast as you can, to our website and book your stay with us!“You can quit if you want, and no one will care. But you will know for the rest of your life.” – Anonymous Ironman Participant