Ironman Modifies Ford Ironman Louisville Swim Course

Someone just sent me this....

~Mike 

Ironman Modifies Ford Ironman Louisville Swim Course
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August 23, 2007 - Today, Ironman announces a modification to the swim
course for the Ford Ironman Louisville, taking place on Sunday, August
26, 2007. Due to significant rainfall upriver, resulting in an
unseasonable increase in the Ohio River's current, Ironman has
implemented its alternative swim course design. Therefore, to create
the most equitable course for athletes of all abilities, the new design
will include a swim in the protected waters adjacent to Towhead Island
before athletes enter the river's main channel and swim downstream
toward the finish at the Great Lawn.

"Based on historical river flow data, we were hopeful that our original
swim course design could be utilized. After further consultation with
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), we determined our alternative swim course is best
suited for Sunday's river conditions. A time-trial swim start will
offer athletes a unique beginning to their Ironman experience in
Louisville," says Steve Meckfessel, Event Director.

Details relating to the new Ford Ironman Louisville swim course are as
follows:

* On race morning, athletes will walk ¾ mile from Waterfront
Park to the swim start, located at the Brown Forman
Amphitheater, just east of Tumbleweed Southwest Grill.

* Athletes will self-seed themselves at the start based on their
projected swim time.

* A mass swim start will begin at 6:50 a.m. for nearly 40
professional athletes, and a time trial start will follow at 7
a.m. for age group athletes.

* To reduce athlete congestion during the swim, the time trial
start will consist of athletes entering the water every few
seconds. Athletes will be required to cross a timing mat before
entering the water, to record their official start time.
Overall finish times will reflect the time at which each athlete
enters the water, vs. the 7 a.m. start time.

* The new swim course will encompass the traditional 2.4 miles.
As a result of the increased river flow downstream, slightly
faster swim times can be expected.