Ironman 70.3 Steelhead

The Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon will be a qualifying race for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 Triathlon - 50 slots will be awarded to the top finishers for the championship in Clearwater, Florida in November. The Whirlpool 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon will be the only race in the Great Lakes region that will award slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.

The point-to-point swim will be parallel and will flow in the direction of the lake current with the finish at Jean Klock Park.

The 56-mile bike course will take triathletes through the scenic northern Berrien and eastern Van Buren counties in southwest Michigan. This area is part of the Michigan "fruit belt" and includes numerous blueberry, strawberry and raspberry farms as well as vineyards and orchards. The course roadways are mostly asphalt, in good condition with some rolling hills throughout.

The 13.1-mile (half-marathon) run will take athletes from the transition area in Jean Klock Park through the City of Benton Harbor and along the St. Joseph River.