Comments: This is where I got hooked on Irondistance racing. Did my first ever triathlon here as I just did not get in any local racing and was talked into trying this (Peer Pressure) a real blast, as I had to learn to swim for this race. Second time around in 2001, I was overworked and undertrained but showed up anyways and found you can not fake an Ironman but the fun was still there and I went on racing. Going back in 2009 to set my PB and redeem my late result from 2001. Cheers

Comments: The course in 2007 was incredibly fast with a calm swim. The bike is flat but wears on you as you never have a chance to rest. The constant pedalling hurts you on the run. This is a great race, well organized but the community either a) doesn't even know the Ironman is on this weekend or b) is indifferent to the race. The race is held off season in Panama City Beach which is great for rental costs but many restaurants and attractions are closed for the season.