IRONMAN Canada & IRONMAN 70.3 Canada

Whistler, British Columbia beckons athletes with its pristine mountains and resort town vibe.

Building on the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, IRONMAN Canada offers athletes a majestic course in a world-class destination. The namesake race was part of the IRONMAN circuit for over 30 years before moving to its current location in 2013, where it has enjoyed a successful two years.

The race begins with a two-loop, 2.4-mile swim in the clean, shallow waters of Alta Lake. The average water temperature in late July is 67 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a perfect and comfortable wetsuit-legal swim.

Athletes transition to their bikes at a lake side transition area before beginning a unique one-loop bike course. The 112-mile course compares to the challenging but spectacular routes at IRONMAN Lake Placid and IRONMAN Coeur d'Alene. The course begins on the Sea-to-Sky Highway before climbing into the Callaghan Valley (the site of the Nordic skiing events during the 2010 Winter Olympics). After descending back to the highway, athletes pass through the town of Whistler on their way north to Pemberton. A flat out-and-back section opens to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks before returning to Whistler over rolling terrain.

The two-loop run course follows the meandering Valley Trail past Lost Lake and Green Lake, allowing spectators plenty of opportunities to cheer for their athletes. At the halfway point through Whistler Village, competitors will get a boost right where it matters most. The day ends in Whistler's Olympic Plaza, a central and festive location to cross the finish line, secure your medal, and celebrate your accomplishment.

IRONMAN Canada offers 50 qualifying slots for the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, HI.