Panama City Beach Welcomes World-Class Triathlon

The glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico are the setting for the 2.4-mile swimming leg of the 2012 Ironman Florida triathlon, to be held at Panama City Beach on Saturday, November 3. Also included in the competition are a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run through the streets of Panama City. The Ironman, an international affair with participating athletes from more than 30 countries, is the first full-distance qualifier for the 2013 Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii. Hosted by the Gulf-front Boardwalk Beach Resort, the Ironman competition begins and ends on the resort’s grounds. The action kicks off at 7 a.m. and ends at midnight. Triathlon participants and spectators are also invited to visit the Ironman Expo. Located at the resort, the expo runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Among the exhibitors are members of Team REFUEL, the athlete spokespeople for the “got chocolate milk?” campaign. Team REFUEL members include such well-known stars as USA Basketball Men’s National Team member Carmelo Anthony, 12-time swimming medalist Dara Torres, and 2010 Ironman World Champion Mirinda Carfrae. They’ll be talking about how refueling with chocolate milk after a workout can help athletes perform at their best during their next bout of exercise. For places to stay and additional information about Panama City Beach, click on our links to Panama City Beach vacation rentals, Panama City Beach recreation, and Panama City Beach restaurants.

Published on Thursday, October 25, 2012