IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach, Florida begins with a 1.2 mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico. The water is crystal clear, but athletes should be aware of strong currents, riptides, and potential marine life, managed by a local flag system. The swim is a single lap clockwise course, followed by athletes running up the beach under a freshwater shower before entering transition. The average water temperature is around 71°F (22°C). The 56-mile bike course is renowned for being flat and ...