The city of Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s second oldest city, and is situated on Nelson Mandela Bay—named after the freedom fighter and world icon of peace. Athletes and spectators who travel here get the unique opportunity to race in one of the most wildly beautiful and historically significant areas of the world. The Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship has been a favourite on the IRONMAN race circuit for over a decade. The day begins with a one-lap, 3.8km swim course beginning on Hobie Beach. Athletes head out parallel from the pier and turning left after 300 meters. The course then goes past Humewood Beach all the way to Kings Beach before turning and heading back towards Hobie Beach. The water temperature is usually in the mid-70°Fs/ mid-20°Cs. The bike course, featuring a new route in 2016, takes athletes out on two flat, fast laps of 90 km on one of the most spectacular bike courses on the IRONMAN circuit. The route takes athletes along the coast at Marine Drive, delivering sweeping views of the ocean and the rugged coastline along a marine protected area, before moving slightly inland at Seaview on an undulating scenic countryside section. Athletes return along the coast to the transition area to start the run. With the first change to the run course in its 11-year history, the new run course will bring athletes closer to their fans and friends than ever thanks to four loops along Marine Drive and the Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship’s famous crowds of 80 000-plus spectators. The event offers 75 qualifying slots to the IRONMAN World Championship.