IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach, Florida, starts with a 1.2-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico's crystal-clear waters. Athletes will face possible strong currents, riptides, and marine life while following a clockwise course. After the swim, they run up the beach, rinse off under a freshwater shower, and transition to the bike course. The 56-mile bike route is flat and fast, traversing intercoastal waterways into Pine Log State Forest with some rolling hills. Light winds may ...