Jen Ingram
Overview:
Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene offers a stunning backdrop and a challenging course that will test your endurance and determination. Set in the picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this race provides athletes the opportunity to take in all the natural beauty of the area. CDA is a quaint town with plentiful parks, an idyllic downtown area and supportive locals. Weather can be unpredictable but June weather typically has cool mornings and moderate midday temps, but history has seen high temps as well. The course, especially the run, is generally spectacular friendly with a two loop route that winds its way through the parks near downtown where families and spectators can cheer on their athlete from the shade of a tree, and have access to playgrounds, a splash pad and grassy areas in the meantime.
Travel Logistics: The closest airport is Spokane which is 40 miles to the west of Coeur d’Alene, approximately a 45 minute drive. Travelers from the east and south are likely to have a layover/connecting flight whereas those in the west can typically fly direct. The rental counters can have long lines, as there are no get-in-the-car-and-go options for any of the carriers (no National executive aisle, for example). The lines can be particularly long on Thursday and Friday ahead of the race. Tip: if you are traveling with a Sherpa, split up and have one of you go to the rental counter and the other to baggage claim. The rental counters are just past baggage claim. Be sure to book the specific class of car you need to fit your gear (I.e. SUV) because upgrades are not typically available. Uber is also an option.
The closest lodging option is the Coeur d’Alene Resort which is steps from Ironman village. Other options include several motels and inns as well as Airbnb/Vrbo. The town is small, so book early.
Swim:
The race kicks off with a beach-entry swim in the clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Known for its breathtaking views, the lake typically offers a relatively calm swim with temperatures typically ranging from 65 to 70 degrees (and therefore wetsuit legal), although swim was shortened to 500 meters in 2024 due to choppy conditions as a result of high winds. Some may find the water quite cold and could benefit from additional practice swims to acclimate to the water temp. There are many public beaches along the shores of the lake where athletes practice their swim ahead of the race. Athletes will appreciate the simple, one-loop rectangular course that begins and ends at Coeur d’Alene City Park, providing ample space for spectators to cheer on the swimmers. Transition is set up in grassy City Park beneath the towering trees that provide ample shade.
Bike:
The challenging bike course is comprised of two out-and-back sections that showcase the area’s natural beauty. The course includes a mix of rolling hills and flat sections, with some challenging climbs that will test your strength and stamina. Ironman reports total elevation gain at 3,445 but true elevation gain is closer to 3,000 feet. The course traverses along Lake Coeur d’Alene, passing through scenic countryside and forested areas. The second out-and-back takes place on highway 95 which can be windy. Key points of note include an initial climb of 468 feet over 1.39 miles, a sustained climb around the halfway mark, and the fast descents that require careful handling and focus. The course features one no-pass zone on the final descent as you head back towards town, so your speed will be limited to that of the pack leader for this final descent. Training climbs and hills is recommended.
Run:
The run route feels mostly flat (but Ironman calls it rolling) with only one notable, short hill and one false-flat section as you run west towards the turnaround (you do both twice as it is a two loop course). The course follows parts of the North Idaho Centennial Trail and winds through the charming downtown area, providing plenty of support from local spectators. Much of the course has some form of spectating including multiple opportunities to be hosed-down with a garden hose. The course offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Of note is that for much of the course you have athletes running in the opposite direction along the same route which provides opportunity to cheer on any friends you may have out in the course along with you.
The Finish:
Upon completing the second loop of the run course, athletes are routed to the final stretch through downtown CDA where the streets are lined by cheering supporters with City Park and the lake laid out in front of you.
Key Points to Remember:
- Weather: Coeur d’Alene in late June can be unpredictable. Prepare for a range of conditions, from cool morning temperatures to potential midday heat.
- Training: Incorporate hill training into your regimen to handle the bike course’s elevation changes effectively.
- Hydration and nutrition: Focus on executing on your hydration and nutrition plan, especially athletes who are accustomed to hot races, as the cooler temps may cause you to forget to drink.
Things to do and Places to Eat:
- Lake activities include boating, jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding and swimming. There are several public beaches along the shores of the lake. City Park is perhaps the most convenient.
- Tubbs Hill nature trail, a two mile loop, offers scenic views. Grab a burger at The Buoy Bar and Grill after and enjoy the lakeside patio with a huckleberry margarita.
- Downtown CDA along Sherman Avenue has several shops and boutiques. The shops at the Coeur d’Alene resort are worth checking out to get your CDA merch. Lots of cute shirts, hoodies, hats and stickers. And grab ice cream while you are there! The huckleberry ice cream is a must-try.
- The kids will enjoy McEuen park with its large playground, grassy areas, splash pad and off leash dog area. There are also clean bathrooms here.
- Golfers will enjoy the course at the CDA resort, a favorite of many which boasts a floating green and scenic views of the lake and surrounding areas.
- Best post-race drinks/beer can be found at the Moose Lounge and The Beacon.
- Best cocktails can be found at The Goat Lounge. Whispers at the CDA resort is a great outdoor patio for drinks too and has lake views.
- Do yourself a favor and have breakfast at Honey Eatery and lunch or dinner at Sweet Lou’s (get both types of eggrolls on the menu).
