"Lake swim and mountain bike in Coeur d'Alene, United States."
🏊 Swim
Lake swim in Coeur d'Alene
🚴 Bike
Hilly bike course around Coeur d'Alene
🏃 Run
Run through Coeur d'Alene
Transition Details
T1/T2 are in the same location · Surface: pavement
Weather
Typical conditions in Coeur d'Alene
Registration
https://www.example.com/coeur-dalene-triathlon-70-3
The Story
The Coeur d'Alene Triathlon 70.3 is what happens when a city with mountain-lake serenity hosts the world's most raced long-distance triathlon. Race morning in Coeur d'Alene starts early. The 1.9km swim sends you into frigid still lake waters at 12°C — cold enough to steal your breath on entry. It's long enough that a poor start costs real time, short enough that strong swimmers can build a genuine lead. The 90km bike is the defining leg: 864m of elevation gain across a mountainous course that separates those who trained for this specific distance from those who just showed up fit. Ninety kilometres of climbing changes the race equation entirely. A rolling half-marathon through Coeur d'Alene with 129m of gain. After 90km on the bike, even gentle rises feel significant. Quick cadence on the ups, controlled effort on the downs, and trust the training through the middle kilometres. This is 70.3 — the world's most popular triathlon distance, and this course shows why.
"I've done Ironman. I've done sprints. 70.3 is the distance that makes you race honestly — and Coeur d'Alene is the course that proves it."
What It Feels Like
A half-iron course in Coeur d'Alene that suits experienced 70.3 athletes who want a course that fights back. This isn't a PB course — it's a character-building one. The city's mountain-lake serenity extends to the race itself. Recovery is part of the experience: huckleberry pie and a local IPA.
🏊 The Swim
A 1.9km freshwater lake swim at 12°C. No salt, no currents, no tide — just you and 1,900 metres of open water. Lake swims reward smooth bilateral breathing and consistent sighting. Cold enough to steal your breath on entry. The calm surface makes drafting easier to find and hold.
🚴 The Bike
90km with 864m of climbing — a mountainous bike course that makes the 90km the race's decisive leg. Power-to-weight matters more than pure wattage. The climbs test your legs; the descents test your nerve. Come with a compact crankset, climbing legs, and the discipline to save something for 21.1km of running.
🏃 The Run
21.1km of rolling Coeur d'Alene terrain. After the bike, each rise lands differently than it would on fresh legs. The rollers add a psychological dimension — the finish always feels further than the markers suggest. Quick turnover, short stride on the climbs, and trust your fuelling from the bike.
💡 Insider Tips
- → Water temperature averages 12°C — that's cold for a 1.9km swim. Train in cold open water regularly in the weeks before. Your first 400m set the tone: if you can settle into rhythm through the cold shock, you'll swim well. A neoprene cap makes a measurable difference.
- → Winds averaging 15 km/h are common. Over 90km, riding steady power rather than chasing speed saves significant energy for the half-marathon. The headwind sections will test patience; the tailwind will reward it.
- → The bike packs 864m of climbing over 90km — that's a real day in the saddle. Keep cadence above 80rpm on the climbs and resist the urge to hammer. Every watt you spend above threshold on the bike comes out of your half-marathon. A compact crankset with a 28+ cassette is non-negotiable.
Prepare for This Race
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FAQ
What distance is the Coeur d'Alene Triathlon 70.3? +
The Coeur d'Alene Triathlon 70.3 is a Half Ironman / 70.3 distance triathlon: 1900m swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run (113km total) in Coeur d'Alene, United States.
When is the Coeur d'Alene Triathlon 70.3? +
Typically held in October on a Sunday.
Water temperature and wetsuit rules? +
Lake water at 12°C average. Wetsuit rules are conditional.
How hilly is the bike course? +
864m of climbing over 90km. Profile: hilly. Drafting not allowed.
What's the weather like on race day? +
undefined–undefined°C, 43% humidity, 7% rain chance, 15 km/h winds.
Average finish time? +
Approximately 5h 30m. Varies with conditions and athlete experience.
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