IMAZ Run Update

The run course has been changed this year. The rumors abounded last weekend as I worked through my 13 miles of the marathon course. Last night was a volunteer-captian meeting and they made the announcement. The website no has the new route up.

IMHO I think its a good call. Logistically running on the canals at night is a nightmare unless there is artificial lighting every 50 yards. Running three loops keeps the course footprint tighter allowing for greater viewing and also better medical attention. (Safety, safety, safety).

I didn't mention this about the bike course but it is also different from last year. It has 18 less turns per loop than last year or 54 less times you have to slow down. Anyway the quote below is from an email, the link is too the course profile and a by turn breakdown after that.

They updated the run course for IMAZ , its now a 3 loop course without the canal in the picture but more hill action, GREAT! (Curry Rd and Lakeview Rd are nice inclines) they also have you getting within 100yds of the finish line twice before you finish, now that's just mean.

Here it is:

the profile and map: http://www.ironmanarizona.com/run.html

RUN COURSE
updated 03/09/2006

Exit North side of transition area
Turn Right (East) on Tempe Town Lake South Shore paved Bike path
Bear Right up to NorthWest corner of Rural Rd. & Rio Salado
Turn left and cross Scottsdale/Rural Rd bridge on the West side (in south bound slow lane)
Turn left through parking lot of Club Rio
Turn right on Tempe Town Lake North Shore paved Bike path
Turn Right at Marina Parking Lot toward 202 Underpass
Proceed under 202 on East Gilbert Drive
Bear left on sidewalk parallel to College Ave.
Turn Left at Curry Rd.
Turn Left at Lake View Rd.
Turn left into parking lot under 202 bridge.
Turn left on path at the end of the parking lot and follow East along Tempe Town Lake North Shore paved Bike path
Turn right on path at the west end of Marina parking lot.
Turn left and follow Tempe Town Lake North Shore paved Bike path back to Rural Rd. Bridge.
Turn left to sidewalk ramp to Rural Rd. bridge.
Turn right and cross Rural Rd. bridge.
Turn right on Tempe Town Lake South Shore paved Bike path to Dirt Path
Follow Tempe Town Lake South Shore dirt Bike path West under Mill Ave. Bridge past transition area
Follow path under rail road bridge and turn left to Rio Salado
Turn Right (West) on Rio Salado
Turn right on Priest Dr.
Turn right at end of Priest Dr. bridge on Tempe Town Lake North Shore paved Bike path
Turn left on Lake View Rd.
Turn right through parking lot under the 202 Hwy.
Turn right on to Mill Ave. Bridge.

To 2nd and 3rd laps turn right after you cross the bridge through Tempe Beach Park to Tempe Town Lake North Shore paved Bike path.

To finish, continue down Mill Ave. past loop turnaround to Rio Salado. Turn right on Rio Salado to finish line.