The Ironman triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event. Ironman Arizona has been Arizona's triathlon since 2005, and nearly 2,800 athletes compete in this popular event.

When is the Ironman Arizona?

The race: Sunday, November 16, 2014

Before the race!

The welcome ceremony for athletes, their families and spectators takes place on Friday evening, November 14th.

Enjoy live music from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Welcome Ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. All welcome festivities will be held at Tempe Beach Park. Admission is free.

The Ironman Village is open on:
Thursday, November 13 - Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After the race!

On Monday, November 17, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. it's time to register for next year starting. Awards are distributed at 9:30 a.m. The ending celebration takes place until 11 a.m.

To participate in the Ironman triathlon, you must be registered. Registration for next year's triathlon usually sells out by the day after this year's event! As you would expect, the 2014 general registration is already sold out. Here is the current race entry information.

Where does it take place?

Course maps are available online. The triathlon starts with the swim in Tempe Town Lake. The bicycle portion of the triathlon take competitors on a three-loop course that starts in Tempe and zig-zags out to the Beeline Highway, which gradually climbs approximately 10 miles through the Sonoran Desert to the turnaround just before Shea Boulevard, ending up back at Tempe Beach Park.

Then the competitors run a course set up around Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park. Here is a map and directions to downtown Tempe.

No spectators are allowed at the finish line. The Ironman Expo takes place at Tempe Beach Park. This area includes the Ironman Display, Ironman Arizona TV Jumbo Screen, and the Ironman Marketplace with triathlon-related products and information. This area serves as a focal point for the week's events where athletes can socialize.

If you are driving to the area, you'll want to check on road restrictions before you go. The Arizona Department of Transportation usually provides detailed motorist information, including any travel or road restrictions, for this event. Call 5-1-1, then *7. The call is free.

How do I get tickets and how much are they?

It's free! There are no tickets required to be a spectator.

What else should I know?
If you are a spectator, the bridges over Tempe Town Lake provide the best view of the swim. The bike course is 3 loops, allowing spectators to see their favorite athletes many times. The run course is also three loops offering many opportunities along the streets and through the Tempe Beach Park to see the athletes. Check the course description for each event to pick your perfect spectator spot.
Volunteers are always needed to assist with the event. Here is the volunteer sign up form.

The event organizers list the following locations as the best for spectators:

• For swim: Tempe Beach Park or Giuliano Park.
• For bike: The corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado
• For run: Under the Mill Avenue bridges, as this will provide the potential opportunity to see your athlete 7 times.

There is a Fun Run for kids. Registration for this event takes place on Friday, November 14th and early on Saturday, November 15th. The Fun Run happens at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

I am coming in from out-of-town. Where should I stay?

The closest hotels to the start of the race and other race events are in downtown Tempe. Hotels in downtown phoenix are also not far, and many of them are within walking distance from METRO Light Rail for transportation to Tempe.

Do you have pictures of previous Ironman Arizona races?

Enjoy these photos of Ironman Arizona triathlon.

What if I have more questions?
For more information, visit Ironman Arizona online.
_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}