Panama City Beach to host about 2,800 athletes for the 24th Ironman Florida on Saturday

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Athletes are set to flood the Beach on Saturday for the 24th annual Visit Panama City Beach Ironman IRONMAN Florida.

According to Ben Rausa, director of the race, approximately 2,800 people are registered to participate in Ironman Florida, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.

Competitors will begin entering the Gulf of Mexico near the Russell-Fields Pier at about 6:45 a.m. for the swimming portion. They then will have 17 hours to complete the race.

"It's defiantly considered a bucket-list item for these athletes," Rausa said. "They start off small (with) sprint triathlons and kind of get addicted to the lifestyle. ... Once they start the littler races, (many set a) goal to do an Ironman."

Last year's IRONMAN Florida: The 23rd Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida kicked off in Bay County this weekend.

Athletes from all over: Expect traffic delays: 2,500 IRONMAN triathletes taking over Bay County's roads on Saturday

He also said the local Ironman attracts competitors from across the U.S. and the world.

A Monday post on the Panama City Beach Government Facebook Page notes residents should expect traffic delays during the event. There will be multiple road closures throughout the city, including along South Pier Park Drive, Longboard Way, Sea Monkey Way, South Thomas Drive, Thomas Drive and Front Beach Road.

The event is one of two Ironman events held in Panama City Beach every year. The other, Visit Panama City Beach Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast, occurs in May. It includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run.

"We're partners with this community, and we have been and will continue to be," Rausa said of the Ironman's role in PCB.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Visit PCB Ironman Florida will occur Saturday for 24th annual event