RACE COURSE With new roads available and athlete feedback in hand, the race course is being redesigned. The 2008 course described below provides a feel for the venue and the 2009 race course. Check back periodically for updates or sign up for our mail list.
Course Reveiw by STRIC - Shanghai Tri Club
“This eagerly awaited, and some would say, long time coming, latest addition to the Ironman family will definitely not disappoint….The race course itself is the true attraction and what will ultimately become the drawing point for Ironman China as Triathletes look for a race with a difference….As with most of China, there is a huge variety of accommodation options, food choices and experiences to be had. All adding up to a truly unique Ironman experience and one that can be shared by a growing band of triathlon junkies from all walks of life. In the words of Lou Reed, “take a walk on the wild side” and be a part of this historic event, you won't regret it.”
Event Director’s Notes: This review suggests “supportive shoes” due to cement surface of Bin Hai Avenue’s bike lane. The run course on Bin Hai Avenue will marked on the black-topped road in both directions. Runners may run under the shade on the cement bike path in either direction. The aid stations will be placed on the road.
The swim course is two 1900m loops. The start is on the beach behind the Sheraton Haikou Resort. The course is rectangular with 1 meter high buoys at the turns. After completing the first loop, swimmers do a short beach run and re-enter the course for the second loop. After completing the second loop, swimmers will run through the swim finish arch and enter the transition area.
Expected swim conditions: Warm, flat water. While the swim course is in the open South China Sea, any significant swell, surf or chop is unlikely.
From the transition area cyclists turn right onto Bin Hai Road. At approximately 4K the course turns left on Coconut Highway and climbs gently for about 8K to West Highway. Cyclists turn right on West Highway and continue to a ramp of the closed access section of the West Highway. [On race day, the police will cross cyclists to the opposite (southbound lane) of the West Highway resulting in two-way bike traffic on this side of the road. Athletes MUST ride on the right side of the road and NOT CROSS the middle-line or mid-point of the road at any time for any reason. On training days, athletes should ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic laws.
After climbing the access ramp, riders turn right (direction Sanya) and continue to a U-turn at approximately 34K. (The U-Turn is located north of Exit 2/highway kilometer 39.) After making the U-Turn, riders will return toward Haikou along the same route.
The southbound side of the West Highway will have two-way bike traffic. Athletes MUST ride on the right side of the road and NOT CROSS the middle-line or mid-point of the road at any time for any reason. On training days, athletes must ride in the same direction as traffic, ride past the U-Turn point to Highway Exit 2 (kilometer 39) and return on the northbound side of the Highway obeying all traffic laws.
Just before reaching the Coconut Highway riders turn right on Shi Shan Village Road (53K). This narrow rural road passes through Dao Tang Village and then turns south (uphill) on Doa Village Road to Scenic Crater Park.
After passing Scenic Crater Park, the course turns left (downhill) on Green Passage Road (66K) for 6K of fast downhill to the end of this road. Cyclists turn right on Nan Hai Road which gently rolls back into the city. At Xiou Ying Avenue the course turns left (79K) through the city to the coast. Riders turn left on Bin Hai Road (82K) to the end of the first loop or transition area (90K/180K).
Bike Course Snap Shot:
Course roads are generally wide and in excellent condition although there is construction along Nan Hai Road.
The roads comprising the11K climb up to Scenic Crater Park are narrow rural roads that cut through two farming villages. These roads can be rough and dirty in spots. There is a short, sharp climb up to the first of these villages, Shi Shan, where the mud brick and rock buildings abut the road making for an exciting passage indeed. The higher village, Doa Tang, is larger and home to the area’s traditional market day. Cyclists passing through Dao Tang on market days will find the village gridlocked with activity. On race day both these villages will be lined with amazed spectators.
Run Course Snap Shot: The run course can be divided into three sections: The first section includes three 10.5K legs mostly on Bin Hai Road. Although aid stations will be on the road, athletes have the option on this leg to run under the shade of Bin Hai Road’s palm- lined bike path. The second section runs through Evergreen Park, over the modest climb of the “Blue Bridge” and the up the significant climb (40m) to the apex of the New Century Bridge. After descending from the Bridge, the third course section traverses Haikou’s new and old city street to the finish line at East-West Lake Park. With the exception of the two bridges, the course is flat.
FINISH: View Map> Updated 03.10.08 The Finish line is located in East-West Lake Park. Runners enter the park through the Datong Street entrance, traverse the traditional arch bridge over the Lake, to the finish line in front of the Park’s monument.
TRANSITIONS & OTHER RACE MAPS Updated 03.12.08 Please see other maps of race area below:
SWIM