Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid

A day of competition at Lake Placid, New York

Story by Max Galanty

Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid is the ultimate test of strength, speed, and endurance - not to mention willpower - for thousands of athletes from all around the world. Now in its ninth year, the Lake Placid Ironman competition is the "oldest official Ironman on the continental United States." The first Ironman was held in Hawaii in 1978. For Lake Placid, it is the largest one-day annual event that brings competition and commerce.

The Ironman is a triathlon for both men and women from all around the world. Participants compete in three athletic feats, including swimming, biking and running. The race begins at 7 a.m. on July 22 with a two-lap swim around Mirror Lake. The body of water has been calm in past races in terms of currents. The two-loop equals 2.4 miles, the shortest distance in the race.

"The run is no picnic, but it offers more great scenery, along with some more challenging hills."

After emerging from the water, contestants will pick up their bicycles for what is the longest distance of the race. The bike course takes athletes from Mirror Lake, past the Olympic ski jumps, up treacherous inclines and down zooming-quick descents. The bike portion of the Ironman has two-loops spanning 112 miles.

At the end of the bike trek, the athletes tighten up the laces on their running sneakers and begin a long foot race toward the finish line.

"The run is no picnic, but it offers more great scenery, along with some more challenging hills," said Helen Manning, North America Sports Communications Director.

The run is a two lap, 26.2 mile race that starts out on a steep downhill leading into a straight-away section out of town and finishes with a big hill back to Lake Placid. The runners will complete that run one more time, with the second loop ending in the Olympic Speed Skating Oval. The race is over at 12 a.m., and the fastest of the strong men's professional field is awarded $50,000. A lot of prizes from sponsors are also awarded for the various age group athletes.

"Put it all together and you have the essence of Ironman," Manning said. "A race that captures both the beauty and the challenges of the area, and the sport."

For Essex County, home to Lake Placid, the event brings in nearly $7 million. According to a third party analysis conducted by the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at Plattsburgh State University College, Ironman directly impacts the local economy.

"Ironman brings significant revenue to Essex County," said Kimberly Rielly, Lake Placid Communications Director.

The TAC study showed that lodging, food, attractions, and shopping revenue boom in Essex County during the Ironman competition.

"The average daily expenditure for each [participant] was $132.36 [2005]," according to the TAC study.

Also, the study states that 80 percent of participants stayed in the Lake Placid area, and 60 percent of them stayed in hotels, motels, or resorts. The average party was four people and the average stay in Lake Placid was five days, not including pre-race visits.

Each year since 1999, Lake Placid has been home to Ironman. The setting in the Adirondacks gives both a beautiful and challenging course for both athletes and spectators. In fact, Manning believes there is no better place for the competition.

"The history of the area in supporting sporting events with strong volunteer and local support make Lake Placid an ideal location for Ironman."

What is the longest race you have been in?

Lake Placid Ironman Camp

The Multisports.com Ironman USA Lake Placid Camp is a three-day program geared toward first-timers and veterans preparing for any Ironman distance event, but specifically the Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid. Those who attend the camp learn about the Lake Placid course from the best in the sport.

The registration fee is $695, and it includes group lectures specific to the Ironman distance, training sessions in swimming, cycling, and running. Instructors evaluate technique and correct it. Meals are professionally catered.